Res Gestae
Who's above the traffic rules
I was so excited to share with you (as I promised in my last article) my experiences in the 1st ALSP Joint Visayas -- Mindanao Conference in Cebu City last October 19-21, 2006; however, I couldn't help shifting my topic after listening to the stories of police officers who were detailed as traffic personnel with General Barias' Project sa Katawhayan kag Kalinungan sa Dalan.
As a backgrounder, General Barias launched the project last September 4, 2006 with the primary objectives of fighting street crimes and of ensuring an orderly traffic flow during peak hours at the major thoroughfares of Iloilo City. Hence, police personnel from Police Regional Office 6 Headquarters with the ranks of PO1 to PO3 are deployed to augment the auxiliary cops from 7:00 to 9:30 in the evening, Monday thru Saturday, along the stretch of J.M. Basa and Iznart Streets. It's important to note that the unique feature of the said project is the deployment of policeWOMEN side by side with the policeMEN.
In two months time, the presence of police officers facilitating the pedestrian and motorists alike has etched a big difference not only in the traffic situation but importantly in the deterrence of crimes in the said part of the city. And, every time the clock strikes at 7:00 p.m., drivers become cognizant of the police officers ENFORCING STRICTLY the traffic rules and regulations. I commend in particular the policeWOMEN detailed in this project, for they really are A FORCE TO RECKON WITH!
Interestingly, is such a short period, the project becomes the "talk of the town" as it bangs with traffic violators who are not less than a Municipal Vice Mayor, a media man, a well-known businessman, and the "unknown" others who think they have the immunity of traffic rules. And, this fact only shows that what really caused the mess in our streets are those whom we less expected to do it.
But, I am confident that, as long as there is one like PO1 Stephanie Alejano or PO2 Johnna Aguil or PO2 Kozyne Pillado in our streets, this project which is dubbed as Katawhayan kag Kalinungan sa Dalan will continue to make a statement more emphatic than its literal meaning! Say mo, Norlin?
Long have we waited for this moment where our traffic police can implement traffic rules and regulations without favor or fear or compromise. It is not easy and PO1 Alejano can tell you why; but it has to be. For no one is above the law! That is a rule!
Thus, I have this advice to all the motorists, especially those who consider themselves as Hari ng Kalsada: Don't you ever try to create a mess in our streets. But if you really want to, please, don't do it between 7:00 to 9:30 in the evening or else you will surely get the exact price for it!
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