ZAMBOANGA CITY — The city government is set to roll out a massive crackdown on colorum public utility vehicles and unpermitted business operations, as part of intensified efforts to protect legitimate operators, ensure public safety, and uphold local regulations.
In a meeting held Tuesday afternoon, August 12, at the City Administrator’s Office, Mayor Khymer Olaso’s administration directed the activation of the Task Force Anti-Colorum to address the rising number of illegal transport operations. The meeting, presided over by City Administrator Percival Ramos and Chief of Staff Celso Lobregat, was attended by representatives from the City Legal Office (CLO), Land Transportation Office (LTO-9), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB-9), Zamboanga City Police Office, the Federation of Land Transportation of Zamboanga (FELTRANZ), and various transport groups.
The CLO was tasked to immediately draft an executive order for the mayor’s signature to formalize the task force’s operations. Retired Police Brigadier General Edwin de Ocampo, Executive Assistant on Traffic Management, said the initiative will begin with an information drive before the aggressive apprehension of violators. Lobregat stressed the city’s seriousness in curbing colorum operations, which compromise commuter safety and worsen traffic congestion.
Meanwhile, as part of broader enforcement actions, the city also impounded 19 malunggay pandesal rolling stores for various violations, including operating without a business permit, obstructing public spaces, and lacking official receipts and certificates of registration. The operation, carried out by Task Force Ordinance personnel, was complemented by inspections from the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), which found 10 pandesal production sites in Divisoria, Putik, Tetuan, Mampang, San Roque, Ayala, Sinubong, Labuan, and Upper Clarian operating without necessary documents such as business permits, sanitary permits, employee health cards, and fire safety certificates.
BPLO Chief Benjie Barredo said notices to comply were issued to the operators, adding that the impounded rolling stores will only be released once all requirements are fulfilled.
The twin crackdowns underscore the Olaso administration’s commitment to enforce laws and regulations, safeguard public welfare, and maintain order in the city’s transportation and business sectors.