• THERESA MAE DULMAN
At least 20 vehicles were impounded and seven structures were demolished during a multi-agency road-clearing operation in Barangay Bata, Bacolod City, on Thursday, June 4.
Led by the City Legal Office (CLO) Enforcement Team under retired Police Colonel Levy Pangue, the operation mobilized personnel from the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTTMD), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Highway Patrol Group (HPG).
The operation resulted in the impoundment of 19 vehicles and motorcycles, including 15 tricycles and one electronic tricycle
The towing sweep targeted unregistered colorum tricycles operating without city permits, motorcycles lacking proper Official Receipts and Certificates of Registration (OR/CR), and motorists riding without helmets.
Authorities also issued and posted five violation notices on vehicles found obstructing the sidewalks along the area.
The clearing ran from the Barangay Bata intersection up to the Circumferential Road.
In addition to the towed vehicles, the team dismantled roadside obstructions, including seven permanent concrete and steel structures protruding onto the public road, stockpiles, and illegal vulcanizing shop extensions.
According to Pangue, the rest of the clearing operation proceeded smoothly with no resistance from affected residents, noting that some owners had voluntarily cleared their areas ahead of the enforcement team’s arrival.
Meanwhile, during the enforcement sweep, HPG operatives also intercepted a motorcycle carrying two male suspects who attempted to speed past the BTTMD and LTO checkpoint.
Unaware that highway patrol units were stationed further down the road, the riders fled, resulting in the arrest of one suspect after his companion escaped.
Inspecting officers recovered a tooter with drug residue from the apprehended rider, who is currently detained at Police Station 3. He admitted to authorities that his companion was carrying a sachet of shabu.*
