By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga and Mae Singuay
The Traffic Management Unit of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO-TMU) made an appeal to motorists to avoid driving while under the influence of liquor in time for the holiday season.
BCPO-TMU head, Police Major Ramel Sarona said they have observed an increasing number of road accidents in the city in the past few days.
Sarona said most accidents have involved motorcycles, wherein the driver was driving too fast.
The BCPO-TMU head said he has coordinated with Bacolod Traffic Authority Office head Patrick Lacson to see if they can install additional traffic signages along the roads in the city, particularly in the accident-prone areas.
Earlier, the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) reported that they are also monitoring an increasing trend of deadly road accidents in the province this holiday season.
In response to the alarming number of accidents, NOCPPO director, Colonel Leo Pamittan held a meeting with the Land Transportation Office, the Department of Public Works and Highways and local government units (LGUs) in the province on how they could improve road safety awareness.
Pamittan said he has ordered police commanders in various LGUs to strengthen police visibility on the highways.
Furthermore, due to the ongoing sugar milling season, Pamittan has also directed them to strictly enforce the overloading and height limits among cane trucks and haulers.
Under the present regulations, cane trucks are only allowed to load piles of sugarcane within 14 feet from the ground up to the top of the truck.
Trucks and haulers must also have adequate lighting to avoid accidents.
Coordination meeting
Meanwhile, the BCPO held a coordination meeting with Muslim community leaders in the city and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines recently, in relation to the bombing incident at Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City earlier this week.
BCPO director, Colonel Noel Aliño said they discussed proactive measures during the meeting after the Philippine National Police, in a directive, required a high degree of alertness, readiness and preparedness in line with security measures following the incident.
Aliño said part of the discussions was how to strengthen the partnership with local Muslim leaders to combat terrorism and other forms of crime and violence in the city.
At least four people died while 50 individuals were injured following the bombing during a Catholic Mass at MSU on Sunday, December 3./DGB, MS, WDJ