By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) chief, Police Superintendent Luisito Acebuche, denied allegations by Liga ng mga Barangay (Liga) President Noli Villarosa claiming they are politicizing their apprehensions of colorum tricycles.
In a radio interview by Bombo Radyo-Bacolod, Acebuche stressed BTAO is not looking at whether the tricycle driver is a supporter of Mayor Evelio Leonardia’s Grupo Progreso, or those loyal to former Mayor Monico Puentevella and his MKK group.
He explained, in the nine barangays BTAO has conducted their operation, only Villarosa has filed a complaint, adding the other barangays thanked them for apprehending colorum tricycles in their area.
He also stated, when members of the police conducted the operation instead of BTAO, Villarosa did not confront the cops.
Acebuche pointed out, “Ignorance of the law excuses no one,” adding City Ordinance 338 against colorum vehicles does exist, despite Villarosa’s claiming there was none.
He also said they will try to avoid confronting Villarosa when they return to Barangay Tangub to apprehend more colorum tricycles.
Acebuche warned Villarosa not to intervene if they conduct the operation, as he could be charged with obstruction of justice.
Earlier, Villarosa criticized BTAO for their aggressive campaign against colorum tricycles./WDJ