BACOLOD City — The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) will intensify its crackdown on illegal “barkers,” particularly around the Bacolod Public Plaza, in a bid to ease traffic congestion and improve public order.
Police Colonel Eugene Rebadomia, officer-in-charge of BCPO, announced during a press conference yesterday that authorities will strictly enforce City Ordinance No. 08-15-729 starting May.
The ordinance regulates and prohibits the unauthorized act of soliciting or procuring passengers for motorized vehicles-for-hire in streets, transport terminals, and parking areas within the city.
Rebadomia said enforcement will initially focus on areas surrounding the public plaza following persistent complaints about the presence of barkers.
These individuals are often seen directing vehicles and collecting informal fees, contributing to road obstructions.
“Gina-allow sang barkers nga parkingan ang dalan,” Rebadomia said, noting that illegal parking — especially along Gonzaga Street — has worsened traffic flow in the area.
He added that the situation has become an “eyesore,” with vehicles lining road shoulders under the direction of barkers, further aggravating congestion.
The BCPO will coordinate with the Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department (BTTMD) to ensure proper implementation of the ordinance.
Authorities emphasized that the move is part of the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s “Safe City” campaign, which promotes safer and more orderly urban spaces.
Meanwhile, public reaction has been mixed. In a comment posted on the Watchmen Daily Journal social media page, a netizen expressed skepticism, saying the measure had been implemented before but lacked consistency.
“Dugay naman ni, amo man gihapon. Nami tani permanente bala ang implementation. Indi gani ang ciudad mag-issue sang ticket pareho bala sa Cebu nga may tawo gid nga naga-issue ticket kag panukot, para ang barkers may permanente man nga obra kag indi na magpanago kay hadlok dakpon,” the commenter said./PN
