‘Kotong traps’ in Metro identified

 Department of Energy Undersecretary Roy Kyamko has pinpointed areas where “kotong” or extortion is rampant.

In a report to Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes, Kyamko said areas where erring law enforcers often extort money or goods from drivers are in Libertad, Pasay City; all night clubs in Pasig City; EDSA, Cubao; Mindanao Avenue, Quezon City; Abad Santos Avenue and Quiapo in Manila; around Ever Gotesco, Caloocan City; and Malinta, Valenzuela City.

In other parts of Luzon, the “kotong traps” indicated in Kyamko’s report are McArthur Highway; Block 85 Navy Resettlement in Capas, Tarlac; San Nicolas Public Market and the vicinity of BCC School in Angeles City; Sta. Ignacia, Tarlac; near Station 3 in Dagupan City; Obrero, Cabanatuan City; Baguio to Manila Road; Cagayan to Manila Road; Lucena City to SLEC; and Molino, Cavite.

Reyes drafted the report as part of his duties as head of the Presidential Task Force on Kontra Kotong and Kolorum, which was created by President Arroyo to alleviate the impact of high oil prices on public transportation operators and drivers.   – Donnabelle Gatdula