BTAO head suspended for five days

BTAO head Patrick Lacson (File photo/Glazyl Y. Masculino)

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – Retired Police Brigadier General Primitivo Tabujara Jr., head of the Public Order and Safety Office (POSO), has been temporarily assigned as officer-in-charge of the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) from May 7 to 13.

This assignment follows a five-day suspension imposed on BTAO head Patrick Lacson for failing to adhere to certain administrative policies, described by City Legal Officer Romeo Carlos Ting Jr. as “light offenses.”

Lacson faced scrutiny last month for allegedly bringing a vehicle under the Mayor Albee Bantug Benitez (MABB) cab system to his house and removing its logo, actions that were publicized on social media. Additionally, he issued a memorandum concerning quota apprehension to all traffic enforcers.

Lacson has apologized for the offenses he committed and has pledged to comply with the mayor’s orders.

Upon assuming the temporary role, Tabujara stated he met with the BTAO team and encouraged them to maintain their current momentum. He assured that the BTAO would continue its normal operations.

Meanwhile, Joey Resuma, a retired policeman, will also be temporarily assigned as assistant head of BTAO after the office’s deputy head, Jose Antonio Robello, resigned earlier this month to travel to the United States with his family until June.