The Iloilo City Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO) is currently deploying 80 personnel to crackdown on jaywalking in the city.

“Based on our observations, there are a lot of people who are not using pedestrian lanes,” explained PSTMO head Jeck Conlu. “This causes traffic along that area since drivers stop to let them cross.”

He said the primary areas where personnel will focus are along Benigno Aquino, Jr. Avenue or Diversion Road, “University Belt,” and downtown.

Meanwhile, PSTMO will also be enforcing anti-littering ordinances and ensuring sidewalks are clear.

“Personnel will also ensure that vendors will not litter or obstruct sidewalks,” Conlu added.

Last month, the Iloilo City Environment and Natural Resources Office reported a total of 182 individuals were apprehended in the city for littering. The policy is a result of Regulation Ordinance 2004-149, which penalizes individuals caught littering, urinating or defecating, or creating graffiti in public spaces.

Violators are fined P500 on a first offense, P750 for a second, and P1,000 on a third./WDJ