Anti-colorum operations net 27 vehicles

An intensified campaign against colorum motor vehicles gained ground resulting to the apprehension of 27 illegally operating vehicles from May 1 to June 20.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong said this was a product of the collaborative effort among the Dept. of Transportation Cordillera Administrative Region (DOTr-CAR) under Regional Director Glenn Dumlao, the city government through the Traffic and Transportation Management Division of the City Engineering Office and the Baguio City Police Office under City Director P Col Ruel Tagel.

Acting City Engineer Richard Lardizabal, in an earlier letter, relayed to the DOTR-CAR director reports on the proliferation of colorum vans operating in the city.

Mayor Magalong said Dumlao responded giving an update on their ongoing operations that regularly netted violators in the last two months.

The director also informed the mayor of his directive for the immediate resolution of all cases involving illegally operating vehicles with a maximum fine of P200,000.

“Our DOTr is also actively pursuing efforts to get to the bottom of the illegal business and uncover people responsible including corrupt public personnel conspiring with them,” the mayor said as he expressed gratitude for the cooperation and the harmonized efforts of the local and national offices to weed out the illegal activity that not only undermines the interest of the legitimate transport businessmen but also puts the safety of the riding public at risk.

Colorum vehicles are usually public utility vehicles (PUVs) operating without the necessary permits or franchises, or those operating outside their authorized routes. – Aileen P. Refuerzo