Talisay village chiefs, tanods can now arrest traffic violators

CEBU, Philippines — Barangay officials and tanods (village watchmen) in Talisay City, Cebu were authorized anew by the city’s traffic unit to issue citation tickets and to apprehend traffic violators.

Talisay Traffic Operations Development Authority (CT-TODA) has deputized them to help in instilling discipline among motorists in their areas.

Jonathan Tumulak, the city’s traffic czar, said village chiefs and watchmen are a big help to the city government in enforcing traffic laws.

He said the officials and tanods underwent seminars and trainings on basic traffic management and pertinent traffic laws.

“Ang tanod ug opisyal sa barangay nga gihatagan og mission order nipaubos sila og seminar ug training. Dako gyug sila og tabang pag-implement and man sa traffic,” he said.

Markyn Reyes, CT-TODA deputy chief, appealed to the deputized agents not to “abuse” the authority given to them.

“Gamiton unta sa tinarong ang ilang pagka-deputize ug dili kini abusaran,” he said, adding that his office will monitoring the deputized officials and tanods.

Discipline Zone

Meanwhile, the city government of Talisay will establish next week a discipline zone to strictly implement ordinances and special laws.

Police Lt. Col Gerard Ace Pelare, chief of the Talisay City Police Station, said Barangay Tabunok is the designated discipline zone.

Tabunok is considered one of the city’s busiest barangay. It is where the Tabunok Public Market and malls are located.

“Gi-plastada na ang mga tarpaulins sa palibot sa Tabunok aron makabalo ang mga katawhan,” he said.

He said those found violating the city ordinances and other laws will be arrested by authorized agents, such as cops, tanods, CT-TODA enforcers, and other force multipliers.  — KQD (FREEMAN)