No conclusion yet on Task Force Alpha hearing

CEBU, Philippines - It was a tension-filled hearing as voices were raised at the Land Transportation Office (LTO) - 7 yesterday morning where parties met on the issue involving Cebu City Treasurer Ofelia Oliva’s daughter, Karen Olvido, and members of the Task Force Alpha.

“As public servants, we should not be arrogant,” Oliva stressed as they were airing their side of the story.

Olvido had complained she was harassed and threatened by six deputized agents of the LTO last May 27, while for their part the LTO agents accused her of refusing to give her driver’s license.

Oliva said they could forgive Stephen Ybañez if only he was not being arrogant.

“Ang arrogance sa usa ka tao makaduhig sa ubang members which is not good kay as public servant we are entitled to serve and dapat courteous ta,” Oliva said. (One’s arrogance would damage the reputation of the whole group. Public servants should be courteous.)

Bimboy Arnaiz, the team leader, insisted that Ybañez approached Olvido politely.

“Wa ko mangilad and please don’t put words on my mouth I was there, I just don’t want to flare up inspite sa akong gibati,” Oliva said. (I was not lying.)

Last May 27, Olvido was driving a Honda Fit bearing plate number KFW-420 when she was apprehended by Ybañez for a busted headlight. Olvido reportedly explained that the wiring of the headlight had a loose so connection and this turned on when tapped.

“Namalihog ko og pa-pukpok nasuko siya,” Olvido said. (I requested him to tap the headlight and he got angry.)

This started the argument that stalled traffic and called for intervention of the Special Weapons and Tactics.

Ybañez asked for Olvido’s driver’s license, which the latter refused to hand in. Olvido said it was only later when she learned that Ybañez and the five others are members of the Task Force Alpha.

Lawyer Vicente Gador, legal counsel of the LTO-7, said they cannot impose sanction against Ybañez as of the moment. He will meet with Regional Director Raul Aguiluz to discuss the matter.

Gador, however, recommended that the vehicle of Olvido will be checked.

“I-check nato ang headlight kay basin if guba gihapon maka-cause na hinuon ug disgrasya,” he said. (Let’s check the headlight just to make sure accidents are avoided.)

Gador added that they will correct their mistakes and violations and would not blow up the issue.

Lawyer Deolito Alvarez, legal counsel of Olvido, said he will study the case based on the reports before they decide on whether to pursue the filing of a case. — (FREEMAN)