Abusive POSD personnel

BEHIND THE SCENES

Alfred P. Dizon

BAGUIO CITY – Last week, an old woman selling assorted veggies in a labba (native rattan basket) along Mabini St, here was chased by a member of the Peace and Order Safety Division inside an establishment along the road.

The overzealous POSD man grabbed the woman, took her goods, then left her crying as she pleaded for mercy. The POSD man ignored her, went to their vehicle and left. 

It is supposed to be illegal in this city to be selling on city streets. But then, those who witnessed the scene said it was overbearing for the man to chase her inside the establishment.

Besides, they said, the woman should have been given a receipt for the confiscated items so she could claim them later at the POSD office of police station if she wanted to and she could just pay the fine. An inventory should have been done on the items before these were hauled off, they said. Gestapo tactics, according to a witness.

Mayor Mauricio Domogan recently relieved about 10 POSD personnel from service for “inefficiency.” According to insiders, there are indeed corrupt and abusive practices being done by some POSD personnel like being selective in accosting and apprehending illegal road vendors for what they say are obvious illegal “business deals.”

Another is their allegedly being biased in disputes concerning business folks like when a top POSD official allegedly favoured a nun over a land and business dispute along Gibraltar Road.. The official reportedly told them to get out of the property being claimed by the religious group even if the land was owned by the Bretts, an old time Baguio family. The group was given permission by the Bretts to sell their wares in the area which the nuns apparently resented, but then, then we will talk about this issue in more detail next week.

Meanwhile, along Mabini, sources there said some vendors were being apprehended while others were not. They said there must be behind the scenes monetary deals between the “favored” vendors and the rotten tomatoes in the POSD.

All over the central business district, complaints have been raised against some corrupt and abusive POSD personnel. You listen to the radio and every now and then, a reporter is yakking about a bad POSD man.

Where is daang matuwid in the department? People are asking. We are not saying all are bad in the foul-smelling box that is the POSD. But it is high time somebody cleans the odorous Pandora’s Box.  The mayor may have smelled and found out something fishy in the POSD, reason why he fired the 10 personnel. But then, there is a deeper story to that, according to sources, as top officials of the department would reportedly would like to put more people who are their kailian from a border village between Sagada and Bauko – Bagnen to be specific. Sources said once the mayor will find out what the ‘big two” are doing he may issue them their termination papers or not renew their contracts.

Last week, Domogan told the department with the zero vending policy of the city government and in order to sustain cleanliness and orderliness of sidewalks, he appointed them per job order basis.

“The reason why the city hired you is for you to implement laws, rules and regulations, and that is to clear sidewalks and road from illegal vendors” said the mayor.

To drum some sense into their coconut shells, 66 POSD personnel appointed by the mayor underwent character enhancement training last Jan. 28 and 29 at the Baguio City Hall multi-purpose hall.

The training aimed to remind POSD personnel of their duties and responsibilities in maintaining peace and order in the city as well as their limitations.

Said POSD personnel were enlightened on critical roles in providing service in the organization.

City Human Resource Management Officer Estrella Bisquera stressed the importance of being competent by having self discipline, self motivation, desire for self improvement and openness to change.

“The mayor appointed you to implement and execute laws, rules and regulations of the city but do not abuse the power given to you.  Be consistent and fair in treating the violators,” said Bisquera.

Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda, during her inspirational message said the city government will formulate rules of engagement for safety of POSD personnel considering nature of their work as well as their status of appointment, being job orders.

The mayor advised POSD personnel that no matter how difficult their job is, they should learn to love their work without necessarily saying they should stop evil ways.

Domogan also urged barangay officials to monitor their respective jurisdictions against illegal vendors.But then, even after the seminar, illegal vendors could still be found along city streets like Mabini particularly at night. As a legitimate stall vendor there said – the answer is obvious. 

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(Here is a letter by Adrienne Salvi B. Bayangan on Panagbenga celebration in Baguio):

“You think you’re helping?” The month of love is fast approaching. Valentine’s month is what most people look forward to especially lovers but here in Baguio, I’m pretty much sure  that the local government is more concerned on the upcoming event “Panagbenga 2014” -- planning and creating linkages for a successful and eventful month.

In this very big event of Baguio, tourists will surely come to experience the wonders of the city and off course watch parades. Also, performers from schools, business establishments, private organizations/companies, public employees will showcase their talents, compete and advertise themselves.

One thing that we also expect is our population these days will surely increase and people will flock everywhere in town and beggars will spread their arms for alms. With their different tactics like singing, playing instruments, or creating sound from coins inside a can,. These beggars will surely get people’s attention walking along Session Rd., overpass, or anywhere in front of a business establishment.

There are those who are impaired, injured who kneel. But the worst, beggars are those who can talk, see and obviously look healthy and could do manual labor but carry their children and ask money so we will pity them. Begging can make someone live or support a family but I oppose those who call this a job.

However, beggars are not only those who look degraded. There are people who look good but would ask you for “donation.” They say the money will go to charity but for as low as ₱20.00 in exchange for a wallet size something with a sticker of Jesus or Mary’s image. I believe donations are done with an open heart and people who ask for donation shouldn’t set an amount. They even name a religious affiliation which I know is only destroying the church’s image just to get the money.

Mendicants are not only those spread their arms but also those who look good but have better tactics in asking money from us for a living. 

A PIA report by Lito Dar said the Baguio City Welfare Development Office was urging citizens not to give alms to beggars. I sincerely agree because when we give money, we seem to be generous people but actually we’re only helping them to depend for their living from alms and in essence let them degrade themselves. Helping was never a bad thing but it always depends on the scenario. We have to ask ourselves, are we really helping?

These beggars will be discouraged if there will be no people giving, a CWDO official was quoted as saying. This Panagbenga, let the tourists come to be awed by the City of Pines and not let beggars depend on them for their living through alms.