Rama wants ‘drug-free, traffic-free Cebu City’

CEBU City Mayor Michael Rama told police and traffic officials that he wants a “drug-free and traffic free” Cebu City at the end of his second term in office.

In separate briefings with the police, Cebu City Integrated Traffic Operations Management (Citom) officials and department heads, Rama again outlined the policy directions of his administration in peace and order and traffic.

When asked if his goal can be achieved within his term Rama replied that they “will endeavor to do it. We have to aim high. If we don’t aim high, chances are, we will continue to (have crimes),” he said.

He said he will meet separately with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to discuss the city’s drug situation. Rama will tap former Dangerous Drugs Board undersecretary Paul Oaminal as his consultant in the anti-drug campaign.

The Police Coordination and Advisory Council said illegal drugs and unlicensed firearms were involved in the shooting deaths of a traffic police officer and enforcer and a daylight robbery of a money remittance shop in Mabolo near a police precinct.

These incidents also prompted Rama to renew his call to replace Senior Supt. Mariano Natu-el Jr., acting Cebu City police chief, with Senior Supt. Noli Romana.

Romana was reassigned to the Police Regional Office.

Rama also wanted the city’s traffic enforcers to work on a 24/7 shift especially in areas where entertainment spots are located.

“The Citom will be on call 24/7 as part of the city’s disaster preparedness measure,” the mayor said.

Rama said in Japan, traffic personnel who complain about their job will be relieved until those remaining in their jobs will complete the tasks assigned to them.

Citom operations chief Rafael Yap said a 24/7 deployment of his personnel will depend on the availability of their manpower and resources.

Citom has 554 personnel of whom 275 are traffic enforcers and 279 others are parking aides and office personnel.

“As it is now, Citom is currently short of personnel.  We will try out best to accede to (the) mayor’s wishes without hampering peak hour operations,” he said.

Yap said their personnel was reduced last July 1 with the non-renewal of 22 traffic enforcers.

Under the existing set up, Yap said, Citom’s 253 traffic enforcers are divided on three shifts daily: 6 a.m. to 2p.m., 2p.m. to 10p.m. and 10p.m. to 6 a.m. Correspondent Jose Santino Bunachita and Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac