Cops now going after PUV carolers

CEBU, Philippines - “Ate, kuya, dili mi mga snatcher, manganta lang mi”. 

If you have ever been bothered by street urchins and adults who clamber onto jeepneys asking for a few coins in exchange for a song you don’t even enjoy, then here’s good news.

Backed up by a recently-amended ordinance banning carolers from public utility vehicles, the police have intensified their campaign against street carolers.

Following persistent complaints over the phone, elements of the Mambaling Police Station, headed by their Chief Insp. Gualberto Gabalis, apprehended several carolers yesterday for violating City Ordinance 1931.

PO3 Diosdado Andales, desk officer of Mambaling Police Station, told The FREEMAN that they receive the complaint over street carolers early morning yesterday and stationed themselves in major intersections and roads under their area of responsibility.

The station made their first move at Tres de Abril St. corner Natalio Bacalso Ave. where a minor was apprehended at around 9 a.m.

Later, Rustom Suico, 18; Christian Bacalso; 18, Roben Padilla, 20; and Michel Anuba, 22; all residents of Barangay Mambaling, were apprehended later at Tabada St. by the same team.

Andales said they are strictly implementing the city ordinance as directed by Cebu City Police Office Director Melvin Ramon Buenafe.

Buenafe commended the Mambaling Police Station and said that other station should do the same to keep the public safe especially in the streets.

He further asks the public to be more participative in the various operations CCPO currently undertaking to maintain peace and order throughout the city.

Yesterday a command conference together with the Land Transportation Office-7 was done at their headquarters where anti-criminal plans were discussed, Buenafe said. 

Councilor Augustus Pe Jr., chairman of the Cebu City committee on peace and order, proposed to ban carolers from public utility vehicles after he observed that their activities have become rampant.

In the amended CO 1931, caroling at anytime of the day will be illegal especially with carolers without the required permit from the Office of the Mayor and when done beyond Christmas.

Further, the ordinance requires all violators to render community service for eight hours, upon the discretion of the court and will have to pay a fine of P500 or be detained for five days.

For those who give money to these carolers, the Cebu City Government likewise reminded the public to strictly follow City Ordinance 1631 or the city’s Anti-Mendicancy Ordinance, which prohibits and penalizes the giving and soliciting of cash and material goods in the public.

Violation of the ordinance carries a penalty of P1,000 or a community service for at least four hours. (FREEMAN)