The Cebu City Police Office has launched a major clearing operation targeting illegal transport activities at the city's pier area following numerous complaints about drivers overcharging passengers arriving by ship.
Mayor Takes Action Against Overcharging
During a Peace and Order Council meeting with newly appointed CCPO chief Police Colonel George Ylanan, Mayor Nestor Archival revealed he had received multiple complaints about transport operators exploiting passengers. The mayor issued a direct order to police and government agencies to address the rampant overcharging by both taxi and habal-habal drivers operating near the port.
According to the complaints, taxi drivers were refusing to use their meters and instead negotiating inflated fares with passengers who had just disembarked from ships. Habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) drivers were similarly accused of charging excessive rates to unsuspecting visitors.
Police Launch Immediate Operation
In response to the mayor's directive, the CCPO mobilized quickly under the leadership of Police Major Keneth Paul Albotra. The clearing operation took place on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM along Arellano corner V. Sotto in Barangay Tinago.
The coordinated effort involved multiple agencies including:
- Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU)
- Cebu City Transportation Office
- Waterfront Police Station
- Other government units
During the operation, authorities issued 11 Temporary Operators Permits (TOP) and 71 traffic citation tickets to violators. One motorcycle was impounded as part of the enforcement action.
Stricter Enforcement During Holiday Season
Colonel Ylanan emphasized that this crackdown would become regular due to the continuous complaints reaching Mayor Archival's office about problematic drivers at the port area. With the upcoming holiday season expected to bring increased visitors from neighboring provinces and regions, authorities plan to strictly implement city ordinances against violating drivers.
The police chief warned that the intensified enforcement would continue to protect passengers from exploitation and maintain order in one of Cebu City's busiest transportation hubs. The operation represents the city government's commitment to ensuring fair transportation practices during the peak travel period.
