New Iloilo police chief pushes using public transport, carpooling

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Saving on petrol?

Use public transport or resort to carpooling.

To mitigate the effects of the rising cost of petroleum products, Colonel Noel Aliño, Iloilo police chief, said he would implement cost-cutting measures among field commanders.

During conferences held at Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) headquarters in Camp Sumagaysay in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo, chiefs of police and mobile force commanders would be made to use public transport or do carpooling.

“Sayang sa resources to drive one person to the venue. They could carpool in a bigger vehicle or hire a bus and I’ll pay for the rent,” he said.

Better if they could ride public transport, Aliño said.

“I think it’s one way for policemen to reach out to the public. If a police commander is afraid of his safety in taking public transportation, how much more a regular commuter?” he said.

Aside from saving on fuel, Aliño said that police vehicles could be used in patrolling or doing police response.

While it may not be entirely comfortable compared to using a vehicle with limited passengers, the order will be implemented as soon as possible.

“It’s also beneficial given that we don’t have enough parking space at the provincial headquarters to accommodate at least 43 vehicles,” Aliño said.

But still, the Iloilo police chief said that there might be exceptions.

On some occasions and instances, Aliño said it couldn’t be helped that police cars would be used by chiefs of police.

In his case, the Iloilo top cop said that he doesn’t use the vehicle issued to him.

“I’m using my personal vehicle even for official duties,” he said.

Aliño said that other offices at IPPO might have a better use for his official vehicle.