Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva has ordered immediate security upgrades following reports of sexual harassment of students near the State University of Northern Negros (SUNN) in Sagay City, Negros Occidental.
Cueva on Wednesday, May 6, warned all transport drivers and operators that the city will not tolerate any form of exploitation or harassment of students.
Any perpetrator found involved in such incidents would be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, he said.
The concerns were brought to the mayor’s attention by SUNN president Dr. Renante Egcas on Tuesday prompting an urgent meeting with the Peace and Order Committee, the Sagay Philippine National Police, and various Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODA).
Initial investigations by local authorities suggest that the incidents involved “colorum” or unregistered tricycle operators, whose lack of official records has made them difficult to track, the mayor said.
Cueva said the city government will prioritize the installation of CCTV cameras at terminals and crucial areas spanning from SUNN to various transport hubs.
Additional street lights will also be installed along the route from the university to Kauswagan to ensure the roads are well-lit and safer for commuting students, he said.
Cueva also issued a safety advisory to the student body, encouraging them to travel in groups, avoid isolated areas, and remain vigilant.
He specifically advised students to take photos of a tricycle’s franchise number, body number, or the driver’s ID before boarding and to send these details to family or friends.
The mayor emphasized that the riding public should only patronize franchised tricycles to ensure easier identification and monitoring by law enforcement.
The local government continues to coordinate with schools and law enforcement agencies to maintain a safe environment for all students in Sagay, he said.*
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