COTABATO CITY – To strengthen the enforcement of transportation laws in the region, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) held in this city on Thursday, March 17, the first Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Land Transportation Law Enforcers and Security Summit.
According to MOTC Minister Dickson Hermoso, the summit is a venue to discuss the common goal of keeping the roads safe for commuters and how to uphold transportation laws under the Bangsamoro Organic Law.
“We gathered here the concerned stakeholders and agencies on transportation law enforcement because my office received complaints which needed to be resolved and be given an immediate solution,” Minister Hermoso said in an interview.
“It is important for us to provide and deliver good services towards the public and I don’t want to hear complaints regarding the implementation of transportation laws,” he added.
Discussed during the activity were traffic rules and regulations such us protocol and procedures for the conduct of law enforcement activities, confiscation of driver’s license and required motor vehicle accessories, security protocols, and security measures for the new inter-regional route.
Also part of the discussion were the prohibited acts or violations like driving without a license, driving with delinquent or invalid license, and failure to show or surrender driver’s license upon demand by the person with authority.
Being the primary law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining peace and order and public safety in this region, the Police Regional Office – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) committed to rigorously enforce transportation laws and regulations through cooperation with other concerned agencies.
PRO-BAR Deputy Regional Director PCol. Jefrey Fernandez said: “I am affirming that we are always determined to heighten our crime prevention aspect against all forms of lawlessness that transpire along national and provincial highways.”
“Building our strong ties and working partnership can have a positive impact when it comes to addressing public safety issues on the roads and in commuter areas,” he added.
Meanwhile, Regional Chief of Highway Patrol PCol Earl Castillo reminded the public that no person must drive a motor vehicle with invalid registration, under the influence of liquor or narcotic drugs, or have violations concerning number plates and stickers.
“We encourage citizens to always bring basic requirements whenever they drive such as the driver’s license, certificate of registration, and official receipt,” Castillo added. (Johaira B. Sahidala/ BIO)
