POSMO: Feces incident in Jaro Plaza an ‘isolated case’

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The foul odor caused by human feces at the children’s playground in Jaro Plaza was an isolated case, according to the Public Order and Safety Management Office (POSMO).

POSMO head Uldarico Garbanzos said he immediately responded to the report and believes the feces found inside a playground slide was likely left by a child.

“I think this is an isolated case. I had it checked, and I believe that a man of a certain age cannot enter the slide. I think only a child can enter,” he said on Tuesday, Aug. 19.

He appealed to parents to take responsibility if such incidents occur.

Garbanzos noted that green guards are assigned to the city’s plazas for both morning and evening shifts to maintain cleanliness and prevent vandalism and violence.

At least three green guards are deployed in Jaro Plaza, supported by plaza guards under the City Environment and Natural Resources Office.

He acknowledged a shortage of green guards due to recent dismissals and said recruitment is ongoing.

To strengthen monitoring, POSMO now requires plaza guards to carry whistles and megaphones to remind the public of rules and prohibited activities.

They are also directed to regularly check and clean playgrounds, fountains, and other public areas.

Meanwhile, City General Services Office (CENRO) head Engr. Neil Ravena confirmed that Jaro and Mandurriao plazas still lack permanent public comfort rooms, as construction and rehabilitation are ongoing.

Two portable toilets have been temporarily installed in Jaro Plaza for public use.

Public restrooms are already available at Plaza Libertad in City Proper, and in the La Paz, Molo, and Arevalo plazas.

Ravena said six to eight personnel from the General Services Office and CENRO are deployed daily in city plazas to ensure cleanliness, especially in restrooms.