LTO deputizes civilian agents anew

CEBU, Philippines – The Land Transportation Office has revived the Task Force Alpha (TFA) here in Cebu City, the group of civilian volunteers deputized to help enforce traffic laws.

The TFA was suspended over a year ago owing to reports of deputized agents engaging in illegal activities, but LTO-7 Assistant Regional Director Edgar Catarungan said no formal complaint was filed before their office.

What they received, he said, were sentiments that civilian agents do not yield to requests not to issue a temporary operators permit to erring drivers, which he believes is ironic. 

"Sayop ba gud kana kon dili magpahangyo ang mga TFA members sa ilang madakpan? Kon magpahangyo ka, sa ato pa madala ka'g sabut-sabot. Mao kana ang sayop," Catarungan said.

Last October 26, LTO chief Virginia Torres issued a memorandum directing LTO-7 Regional Director Raul Aguilos to revive the TFA to assist the LTO organic law enforcers.

As of yesterday, 32 identification cards were issued to civilian agents. There are at least 100 civilian agents expected to be deputized anew. They conduct operations three times a week.

Catarungan emphasized that aside from members of TFA, the LTO has authorized no other civilian groups or individuals to help in the enforcement of traffic laws.

Catarungan has been designated head of the Regional Deputation Committee whose task is to screen applicants who want to help the LTO in the campaign against abusive and erring motorists. (FREEMAN)