The city government is set to launch a massive campaign against colorum public utility vehicles, including tricycles and other forms of transportation for use by the general public.

This crackdown forms part of the efforts of the administration of Mayor Khymer Olaso to protect legitimate operators, ensure safety and welfare of commuters and consequently ease traffic congestion.

In a meeting presided over by City Administrator Percival Ramos and Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Mayor, Celso Lobregat Tuesday afternoon, August 12, the City Legal Office (CLO) was tasked to immediately draft an executive order for the mayor’s signature, thereby activating the Task Force Anti-Colorum.

The meeting, held at the City Administrator’s Office and attended by Executive Assistant on Traffic Management Ret. PBGen Edwin de Ocampo, representatives from the CLO, Land Transportation Office (LTO-9), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB-9), Zamboanga City Police Office, Federation of Land Transportation of Zamboanga (FELTRANZ), and various transport associations, tackled the growing concern related to colorum vehicles reported in various parts of the city.

Lobregat said the aggressive crackdown will start after the information campaign, emphasizing that the city is serious in curbing illegal transport operation that compromise commuter safety and traffic regulations. (details and photos: Bernadeth Lazaro/ April Joy Araneta-Adriano)