Iloilo City prepares for ‘All Saints Day’

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By Perla Lena (PNA)

ILOILO CITY-- The city government, through its Public Safety and Transportation Management Office, is now starting preparations for the observance of "All Saints' Day" and "All Souls' Day.’

Jeck Conlu, head of the office, said on Wednesday that one of the major preparations is on traffic management.

A system review of the traffic management division is now ongoing. A revamp is expected as the series of examinations for traffic enforcers has already started.

Personnel of the Special Services Unit and the Police Auxiliary Unit will also be deputized so they can apprehend illegally parked vehicles.

Conlu said he will be seeking legal opinion if an ordinance is necessary to deputize personnel or a department order would suffice.

With this move, traffic auxiliaries will just focus on “directing traffic,” said Conlu.

Moreover, Conlu has established a quick response team (QRT) and a hotline will be provided so that drivers and commuters can immediately ask for assistance.

Conlu said an examination was given to enforcers last week to enhance their capability. The examination and orientation is proposed to be done quarterly.

Those who failed to pass the examination after three attempts “have no reason to be there,” Conlu said. He made it clear, though, that prior to the examinations, a review is also being conducted.

“In order for our traffic auxiliary to be effective, they should be equipped with knowledge with regard our ordinances,” he stated.

Iloilo City has more than 200 traffic auxiliaries.