GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews / 4 December) — Mayor Jose Paolo “Pao” Evangelista announced that Kidapawan City in North Cotabato will begin stricter traffic enforcement next week following the arrival of the city’s first speed gun, aiming to curb reckless driving and prevent accidents.
In a Facebook post Wednesday, Evangelista warned drivers and motorcycle riders to follow traffic rules, adding that strict enforcement will begin soon.
“Warning lang sa mga hilig mag angkas og dili ingon nato, pag hinay2 gyud mo kay naa ni video ug printer sa resibo (Just a warning for those who ride two-up or don’t follow the rules: slow down because violations are recorded on video and receipts printed on the spot),” he wrote.
The mayor said traffic enforcers have been finalizing the apprehension protocol to ensure enforcement is effective and consistent.
In a separate Facebook post the following day, Evangelista posted official speed limits under Section 69 of City Ordinance No. 15‑1061.
Among them were 60 kph from Pinantao to Boundary Sibawan, Estañol to Ilomavis, Magsaysay to Junction, and Balindog to Km 114; 80 kph from Km 114 to Patadon; and 30 kph in areas crossing Balindog, Pinantao, Estañol, and Magsaysay.
“Ayaw mog kabalaka kay magbutang pud mi og signages sa mga area para ma remind mo sa mga speed limit nato (Don’t worry because we will also put up signages to remind motorists of the speed limits),” the mayor said.
He acknowledged complaints from residents about the 30 kph zones, noting that some find them too slow.
“Sa mga gareklamo nga hinay ra kaayo ang 30kph, kasabot gyud ko sa inyohang mga mulo pero ordinansa man ni. Dili nako ni ma-amend kung dili i-amend sa atoang mga konsehal sa Sangguniang Panlungsod (To those complaining that 30 kph is too slow, I understand your concerns, but this is the ordinance. I cannot amend this unless the city council does),” the mayor said.
He also noted that studies show 30 kph can still cause serious injuries, even if it seems “slow” from some motorists’ perspective.
According to Evangelista, the city plans to supplement enforcement with signages and public information campaigns to help motorists comply.
Full apprehension guidelines are expected to be released next Tuesday.
With the speed gun in place, Kidapawan joins other Mindanao cities using technology to strengthen traffic monitoring and enforcement. (Guia Rebollido / MindaNews)
