Centcom still mum on opening access road

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia plans to send a “stronger request” to the Armed Forces of the Philippines to open the access road of the Central Command Headquarters, Camp Lapu-Lapu, in Lahug, Cebu City, to privately-owned vehicles to decongest the Banilad-Talamban areas from heavy traffic.

Garcia said she would like to talk again with the Centcom officials after she got no answer to her letter.

“Maybe they need a stronger request,” Garcia said.

Last April, Garcia met with Brig. Gen. Alejandro Estomo, Centcom deputy commander, and Cebu City Traffic Operations and Management Board Chairman Sylvan “Jack” Jakosalem when she made the suggestion.

Jakosalem confirmed that the request to AFP General Headquarters has had no reply yet as he is also making follow-ups.

Jakosalem said there was an earlier request from Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama to Centcom to open the access road to motorists at certain hours to decongest traffic in the Banilad-Talamban area. 

But he said the road belongs to the provincial government prompting him to consult the governor. A letter from CITOM was sent to Garcia who then attached it to her letter to the AFP.

Estomo earlier told Garcia that the decision cannot be made on their level.

Garcia said that she will recommend for the opening of the road from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., subject to the existing rules of the camp.  (FREEMAN)