Crackdown on uso-uso

AT LEAST 35 drivers of various vehicles, mostly uso-uso jeepneys, were apprehended yesterday by the police traffic group in their simultaneous operation conducted in the different areas in the city.

Supt. Ernesto Castillo, the Traffic Group head of Davao City Police Office (DCPO), said 20 uso-uso jeepneys and 15 other four-wheeled vehicles were flagged down for various offenses during the operation.

 Castillo said they conducted the simultaneous operation in Toril, Ulas and Bonifacio — the usual route of Toril-bound uso-uso jeepneys.

 Uso-uso jeepneys are modified public utility jeepneys (PUJ) with fast engine and loud sounds usually driven by reckless drivers, mostly bound for Toril.

 “There are so many complaints regarding uso-uso,” Castillo said. “Most of the complaints are for over-speeding and loud sounds.

 Uso-uso drivers usually do trip cutting and illegally use the corner of Bonifacio-Ponciano as their terminal, Castillo said.

 Castillo admitted the complaints already reached the attention of Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Sr. Supt. Alexander Tagum.

 “Our operation is not only for today but we will conduct it every day,” Castillo said.

 At around 2 p.m. yesterday, around 50 uso-uso operators were called for a meeting at the Toril police precinct.

 Castillo said the operators would be directed to strictly impose to their drivers to follow traffic rules and regulation, particularly on speed limit, at all time.

 “They (drivers) should also follow their routes,” he added. It was also observed that uso-uso drivers would pass by at Bankerohan Bride, instead of Bolton Bridge, at night time.