BAGUIO CITY, Philippines  — Mayor Benjamin Magalong warned on the proliferation of “angkas” or “habal-habal” motorcycle-for-hire services in the city and urged the public against patronizing this unauthorized transport means citing safety, traffic and accountability concerns.

Magalong said these motorcycle transport services lack proper safety training for drivers and do not provide commuter protection or insurance coverage for passengers.

He added that the operation of unauthorized motorcycle taxis could further worsen the city’s traffic situation and increase the risk of road accidents especially along Baguio’s steep and uphill roads.

“Besides, there is no clear accountability on the part of drivers involved in these unregulated operations,” he said.

Magalong said Department of Transportation (DOTr) Regional Director Glen Dumlao has confirmed that no angkas permit has so far been issued in the city thus no individual or company is authorized to provide such motorcycle-for-hire services.

On the mayor’s orders, the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) under P Col Ruel Tagel has intensified operations to deter angkas operations.

Tagel said angkas deterrence operations are presently being mounted in various strategic locations in the city.

In the past, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-Cordillera (LTFRB-CAR) had said that motorcycle angkas operations are not safe in the city because of its terrain and even issued a warned against using motorcycles operating as public utility vehicles.

Magalong said he had already recommended to concerned agencies the revocation of licenses of drivers caught operating under such unauthorized scheme.(Aileen P. Refuerzo)