44 drivers get TOPs, 23 vehicles seized

CEBU, Philippines —  Some 44 “erring” drivers were issued temporary operator’s permits (TOPs) while 23 vehicles were impounded in a three-hour, province-wide operation of law-enforcement agencies on Friday dubbed as “One-Time, Bigtime.”

The operation in Cebu was part of the nationwide operation ordered by President Rodrigo Duterte to teach a lesson to those who will violate traffic laws.

According to Cebu Provincial Highway Patrol Field Unit chief Police Captain Michael Gingoyon, they initiated checkpoints in various areas in Cebu province, including Danao City, Minglanilla, Talisay City, and City of Naga.

He said that a total of 44 drivers were issued temporary operator’s permits and citations in Cebu province alone. A van operating without license from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board was also among the 23 vehicles impounded.

The figures were higher in the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu, where separate operations were also conducted.

In Cebu City, a total of 61 drivers were issued TOPs and 14 issued with citation tickets, while in Mandaue City, 64 were issued TOPs and 55 got citations.

In Lapu-Lapu, authorities issued 96 TOPs and 148 citations, and impounded 16 private vehicles and a public utility vehicle and six tricycles.

In Negros Oriental, there were 52 recorded issuances of TOP in Dumaguete City.

Gingoyon, who concurrently holds office as chief of intelligence at HPG-7, said that a total of 489 TOPs and 217 citation tickets were issued across Central Visayas. They were all for alleged violation of local ordinances and other pertinent traffic laws.

Apart from HPG personnel, the operation was also joined by those from the Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, and local police stations.

Gingoyon urged the public to follow traffic rules for safe travel and to avoid paying fines and penalties.

Man, 73, dies in mishap

Meanwhile, a 73-year-old man died after being run over by a motorcycle in Sta. Fe town, Bantayan island Friday.

The victim was identified as Pelagio Baril, resident of Barangay Pooc, Santa Fe.

According to Patrolman Jhonald Estay of Santa Fe Police Station, Baril was walking on an uphill road when the motorcycle driven by John Alvin Jilobuena, 33, appeared and hit the old man.

Estay said the motorcycle was moving at a relatively slow speed but because it was an uphill road and a blind curve, the driver failed to notice Baril crossing to the other side of the road.

He was brought to the hospital but eventually died on the way.

Jilobuena is set to face charges for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and is now detained at the police station.  JMD (FREEMAN)