• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) director, P/Col. Eugene Rebadomia, has directed all operating units to refrain from wearing uniforms or identifiable clothing associated with private companies and transport service providers during police operations.
The order, which covers the drug enforcement teams, aims to prevent confusion and protect delivery riders, taxi drivers, and other workers from being mistaken for police operatives.
The directive follows concerns raised after a police operative was seen wearing a shirt bearing a Maxim logo during an anti-illegal drug operation in Bacolod City Nov. 7.
“Wearing the Maxim shirt was not intentional, and he did not present himself as being from Maxim. It just so happened that was what he was wearing, he did not introduce himself as a Maxim rider during the operation, nor did he pretend to be a member of the company or book a passenger,” Rebadomia said.
The city director added that the concerned personnel have been ordered to explain the incident.
Maxim Rides & Food Delivery acknowledged its riders’ safety concerns following the incident, and welcomed the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region’s directive to review the incident and assess compliance with operational guidelines.
The company also urged its driver-partners to report any untoward incident to their local office so it can coordinate with authorities to help ensure their safety.
“We hope that the review and any resulting measure will help prevent similar incidents and allow delivery riders to carry out their work without unnecessary risks to their safety,” it said in a statement.
The BCPO also plans to hold a dialogue with the riders and the involved personnel to address their concerns and strengthen coordination. | TMD
