BACOLOD City — Bacolod City enforcement personnel have been reminded to exercise maximum tolerance, professionalism and restraint in carrying out road-clearing and other enforcement operations following the circulation of a video showing an alleged verbal altercation between an enforcement officer and a vendor at the Libertad Public Market.
The reminder was issued during a briefing on Thursday, August 27, attended by personnel from the City Legal Office (CLO) Enforcement Team and the Bacolod City Traffic and Transportation Management Department (BTTMD).
The city government is intensifying its campaign against illegal parking, unauthorized structures and other obstructions along roads and sidewalks.
BTTMD Officer-in-Charge Atty. Reuben Mikhail Sabig reiterated the directive of City Legal Officer Atty. Karol Joseph Chiu, emphasizing that enforcement personnel must remain professional and respectful when dealing with the public.
Sabig, who also supervises the CLO Enforcement Team, said personnel should remain firm in implementing city regulations but must not exceed the limits of their authority.
“As much as possible, we must have control. While we remain firm in our obligation, we must not go beyond our job,” Sabig said.
He urged personnel to remain calm and exercise sound judgment, particularly during encounters with vendors, motorists and other individuals who may resist or question enforcement actions.
Lawyer Bartolome Malde Jr. of the CLO Enforcement Team acknowledged that tense encounters can escalate quickly but stressed that the words and actions of enforcement personnel can influence public trust in the city government.
“We do understand that sometimes it’s spur of the moment, but let us be careful and mindful of our words and actions. As much as possible, exercise maximum tolerance,” Malde said.
The briefing was held as enforcement operations continued in various parts of the city, with personnel tasked to ensure compliance with regulations while maintaining professionalism in their dealings with the public./PN
