By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
Watchmen Daily Journal recently joined Police Station 6 (PS6) personnel, led by Police Senior Inspector Wilfredo Benoman, Jr., during Sunday evening rounds, where officers were observed complying by current protocol on loiterers, or “istambay.”
According to Benoman, if anybody is spotted outside their homes, officers only ask for identification. Once they are able to identify the individual, they are asked to return home.
A motorcycle carrying two individuals was also flagged down that evening, where law enforcement reminded the operator and rider about the riding-in-tandem ordinance, which was scheduled to take effect the following day between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
The operator, however, was found to only be in possession of a student permit; while the motorcycle itself was without license plates. The motorcycle was eventually impounded and the operator was issued a citation.
Benoman noted, vehicles are routinely flagged down for a plain view search of any contraband.
With regard to drinking in the streets, PS6 personnel asks drinkers to return home as there is currently no ordinance prohibiting drinking in the streets.
“We only enforce the present city ordinances, such as the curfew for minors, riding-in-tandem ordinance, and anti-smoking ordinance,” Benoman explained.
Meanwhile, residents living within the jurisdiction of PS6 see the evening patrols as a positive, noting a recent incident when police intervened in a scuffle between two Libertad Public Market vendors. Both were eventually brought to the station to resolve the conflict.
Last week, Police Regional Office-6 director, Police Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao, clarified police are not allowed to arrest street loiterers unless they are in violation of a municipal or city ordinance.
Bulalacao also stated, they have yet to receive complaints regarding arrested loiterers.
In addition, Bacolod City Police Office director, Police Senior Superintendent Francisco Ebreo, said cops in the city are acting with caution when it comes to handling loiterers and assured the public their rights will not be violated./DGB, WDJ
