Suspect charged a ‘parking fee’ outside the market

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A barker at the Libertad Public Market in Bacolod City was recently nabbed by police and the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) after going viral on social media.

A video posted by Tereso Macainan Drilon, Jr. depicted the suspect, later identified as Celestino Arsaga, extorting money from motorists parking in front of the market, charging them a “parking fee.”

Arsaga was also shown claiming the fees would be given to the government.

When the video reached BTAO head, Police Superintendent Luisito Acebuche, he immediately organized the Bacolod City Police Office-Traffic Management Unit and Police Station 6 to confront Arsaga, which resulted in his arrest.

Arsaga was eventually freed from police custody after no charges were filed against him. However, the barker was warned he would face charges in violation of City Ordinance 885, or the anti-barker ordinance, along with extortion, if he continued engaging in the illegal activity.

Earlier this month, Iloilo City Public Safety and Management Office (PSTMO) head Jeck Conlu revealed, with coordination from the Iloilo City Police Office, the city would begin apprehending barkers, which is in accordance with the city’s Regulation Ordinance No. 2014-194.

The PSTMO chief noted, complaints have been brought forward regarding barkers, including those causing disruptions on the road./DGB, WDJ