DUMAGUETE City -- Local government units where operations of habal-habal or single rental motorcycle units are reported are under orders to make an inventory and report the same to their respective Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) offices.

This order was confirmed by the provincial DILG office in Negros Oriental in the wake of reports that this mode of transportation is being tolerated in different municipalities and cities of the province.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has declared that the operation of habal-habal units in any part of the province as illegal in the absence of implementing guidelines and circulars.

LTO chief Roland Ramos is aware that some local government units have passed ordinances regulating the operation of habal-habal which is contrary to Republic Act 4136.

In fact, in Canlaon City, habal-habal units have been provided with a terminal and certain fees are fixed.

Ramos has received complaints from legitimate operators about the proliferation of habal-habal units in that area already plying the national highway, and that their operation has already hampered and is competing with the operation of legitimate tricycle operators.

He said the LTO will be continuing in its crusade to stop the illegal operation of habal-habal.

LTO chief Roland Ramos disclosed the number of habal-habal units in the province could easily reach P5,000. (PNA)