Rama orders lighting of North Reclamation Area

CEBU, Philippines - Acting Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama yesterday ordered the chief of the Department of Public Services to make sure that the North Reclamation Area, where robberies victimizing taxicab drivers always occur, should be properly lighted as one way to prevent crimes.

Rama ordered Engr. Dionesio Gualiza to immediately replace busted light bulbs in the area and even requested news reporters covering the City Hall to help monitor Gualiza’s compliance.

The acting mayor also instructed his secretary to coordinate with the city councilors and members of the Police Coordinating and Advisory Council, particularly the policemen, to attend a conference this morning on this particular problem.

Each of the city councilors was tasked by Rama to coordinate with police stations in order to learn of their problems and to come up with immediate solutions.

Gualiza has assured he would immediately replace the busted bulbs and that “if it is necessary to install additional lampposts at the area, he will do it” to ensure that the dark portions of the north reclamation area would be properly lighted this time. 

Some City Hall reporters who pass by the north reclamation area everyday were the ones who informed the acting mayor of the busted streetlights.

Two taxi drivers had been robbed and killed in that place, particularly on 13th Avenue which is part of barangay Tejero.

The body of Gregorio Presores, 54, driver of Kumgang Taxi, was found last week in that place with a gunshot wound on his head.

Police records showed that last March 17, Victor Aballe, 34, driver of Marmic Taxi was also found dead in that same area.

Other taxi drivers are already worried because of the series of robberies involving their fellow cabbies.

“Pait kaayo ang among kahimtang. Kon mamili sab mi og pasahero nga among pasakyon mahimo man sab nga madakpan mi og makamulta,” taxi driver Raul Bonsubre said.

There is an existing policy of the Land Transportation Office that drivers of public utility vehicles could be slapped with P1,000 fines and suspension of their licenses if they refuse to convey passengers. — Rene U. Borromeo/MEEV      (THE FREEMAN)