CEBU CITY – Complete chaos.

That was how Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival Sr. described the situation at pier area due to reports of illegal activities involving dispatchers and taxi drivers.

Archival ordered the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) to address reports of the presence of aggressive dispatchers, forced rides, and taxi drivers charging exorbitant fares.

“This is a challenge to all of us. We want our people and visitors to feel safe the moment they arrive in Cebu,” said Archival, who led a coordination meeting this week to address issues.

Archival directed the police to enforce rules such as banning fixers and identifying designated taxi zones.

The Cebu Port Authority (CPA) welcomed the city government's efforts to address the matter.

"The CPA fully supports the Cebu City government's pronouncement to address and put an end to the longstanding issues of abusive dispatchers and illegal ticket scalpers operating outside the Cebu base port area," the agency said.

The CPA said unlawful practices at the pier area have long posed a serious challenge, undermining continued efforts to provide every passenger with a safe, comfortable, and pleasant travel experience within ports.

"We stand with Mayor Nestor Archival and the Cebu City government in our shared commitment to take immediate and coordinated action toward ensuring a safer, more secure, and passenger-friendly port for all," the CPA said.