LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, July 24 (PIA) — A transportation official clarified that inter-provincial and inter-regional public transportation is not yet allowed in the Cordillera region and in other areas amidst the imposed community quarantine.
Land Transportation Office – Cordillera Regional Director Francis Almora informed during the Benguet Provincial Inter-Agency Task Force meeting that only jeepneys and taxis with special permits given by the LTFRB, as recommended by their respective local government units, are allowed to ply their designated routes but on a limited capacity as prescribed by the National Inter Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases .
The jeepney and taxi units are allowed but they should adhere to strict health protocols and guidelines to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 disease.
Almora made the clarification amidst the queries of the local officials and other stakeholders on the inter-provincial and inter-regional trips from their respective LGUs.
He explained that in the past months, they gave special permits to some bus companies and UV express vans for the special trips only to transport locally stranded individuals from the different areas in Luzon to their respective LGUs.
In the past week, the LTO noticed there were social media posts of various groups and individuals offering ride to the public from Baguio City to several areas in Region 1, Region 3, the National Capital Region and the CALABARZON with fares amounting to P2,500 up to P4,000 pesos or even higher per individual per trip.
These are illegal and are considered as “colorum and human smuggling” operations, he stressed.
Almora also pointed out that smuggling people to and from their destinations are considered a health risk as these individuals could be carriers of COVID-19 or they could be infected with the disease in the areas they go.
Almora appealed to the public to report to the LTO and LTFRB if they see such kind of posts as these are illegal and the individuals involved could also bring the COVID-19 virus in the city or the different areas where passengers are being picked up or dropped.
The LTO already apprehended more than 30 vehicles operating as colorum vehicles transporting individuals to and from areas in the region.
Meanwhile, Almora said back riding on motorcycles will now be allowed only for couples and provided the riders comply with the barriers or protection as prescribed by the National IATF.** JDP/RMC- PIA CAR
