The Cebu City Police Office has launched a clearing operation against illegal transport activities in the city's pier area following complaints of overcharging by motorcycle-for-hire and taxi drivers, reports Cebu's daily SunStar.

Mayor Nestor Archival ordered police and other agencies to act after receiving reports that drivers were charging excessive fares to passengers disembarking from vessels. Taxi drivers were accused of refusing to use meters and imposing fixed high fares, a practice also followed by habal-habal drivers.

During a Peace and Order Council meeting, Mayor Archival informed Col George Ylanan, the new CCPO chief, of the complaints. In response, the CCPO and Traffic Enforcement Unit led by Maj Keneth Paul Albotra, together with the Cebu City Transportation Office and Waterfront Police Station, carried out the clearing operation.

The operation took place on November 21 from 4-6pm along Arellano corner V. Sotto Street in Barangay Tinago. Police enforced traffic laws and ordinances to ensure public safety and curb illegal transport practices.

Authorities issued 11 temporary operators permits and 71 traffic citation tickets, while one motorcycle was impounded. Col Ylanan said such operations will continue, especially with the holiday season expected to bring more visitors from neighbouring provinces.