The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has chosen the Port of Zamboanga as one of the country’s pilot areas in the campaign to eliminate scalping activities.

Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Zamboanga Head of Operations Jezrel Gesulgon told the press briefing at City Hall last Monday that DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade had issued a marching order to pilot test Zamboanga port in the fight against scalping, which is not only a problem here but in almost all ports nationwide.

Gesulgon said a team from DOTr headed by Usec. Perez was in the city last June 6 and met with representatives from the different agencies concerned like the Coast Guard, MARINA, PPA, PNP and the shipping companies together with Asst. City Administrator Cesar Raz, representing the city government of Zamboanga.

He said issues and concerns were discussed along with solutions and measures to prevent scalping.

Why scalping thrives in the local port is because of the tickets do not bear the names of the passengers coupled with the capability of scalpers to harass ticketing employees of shipping companies.

Buying tickets on behalf of the passengers, and some tickets bore incomplete names are some issues favorable scalping.

It was suggested that CCTV cameras be installed at the ticketing office of the shipping companies and to extend closing time for the issuance of tickets from 5 p.m. until all departing vessels shall have left the port of Zamboanga to their points of destination. The Coast Guard and PPA have also promised to assign personnel at the entrance gate.-(Vic Larato)