Buyers, sellers find security in Pampanga city’s safe transaction zones

Buyers and sellers in the City of San Fernando are urged to get and pay their items in Rekta Safe Exchange Zones to avoid fraudulent transactions. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—The police last week established “Rekta [Direct] Safe Exchange Zones (RSEZ)” here to provide online buyers and sellers a secure space for transactions.

“The transactions are documented because security cameras are installed there and [RSEZs] are well lit. These zones can prevent fraudulent transactions,” said Lt. Col. Paul Gamido, San Fernando police director, in a telephone interview on Saturday.

Because of the threat posed by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), online marketing has enjoyed brisk business.

Gamido said the police have encouraged the public to use the RSEZs in front of Rojul Building at Barangay (village) Telabastagan; in front of the Caltex gas station in Baliti village; and in front of the Metropolitan Cathedral in Sto. Rosario.

RSEZs have also been put up in front of the Arc entrance in Sta. Teresita village; the Community Police Assistance Center (COMPAC 3) in Sindalan village; at the SACOP Police Station; in front of Cleofers building in Sta. Lucia village; and near the Sindalan stoplight and Del Rosario stoplight.

Gamido said buyers and sellers can seek police assistance when the transactions involve huge amounts, or when the online deals are anomalous.

Meanwhile, Mayor Edwin Santiago had issued Circular No. 2020-50 ordering barangay captains to re-establish barangay control points to help police screen people who come from outside Pampanga.

The COVID-19 cases in the city have increased to 166 as of Aug. 21. TONETTE OREJAS

CFC