By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Around 330 individuals were apprehended on the first day of the anti-jaywalking policy, implemented through City Ordinance No. 338, or the Comprehensive Traffic Ordinance, which includes the regulation of public utility jeepney routes and parking areas.
According to Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) head, Police Superintendent Luisito Acebuche, the first person cited for not using a crosswalk was a foreigner. However, the name of the foreigner is being withheld after paying his first offense fine of P100.
Fines are to be paid on the spot, with a second offense costing P200 and a third violation at P300. Failure to provide payment will result in community service, in which 14 of those apprehended today rendered.
Despite tarpaulins posted along city roads, Acebuche said many were unaware of the policy.
Yesterday’s apprehensions were all made in the downtown area. Patrols along Lacson Street will commence once the painting of crosswalks is complete./WDJ