MMDA removes illegally-parked vehicles in R-10, Manila

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) recently conducted clearing operations along Road 10 Yuseco Extension in Dagupan Street, Manila.

The initiative — part of the agency’s intensified operations along key routes in Metro Manila to keep the road free from obstructions — was made along with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), local government unit (LGU) of Manila, and Manila Police District (MPD).

Per MMDA, its New Task Force Special Operations and Anti-Colorum Unit personnel rid the aforementioned area of illegally-parked trucks and tricycles.

MMDA Acting Chairman Romando Artes said the operation was needed as it is a major artery going in and out of the ports — where importing and exporting of goods take place.

He also added that the Manila city government and DILG will help maintain the area’s cleanliness so that no obstructions will slow down the traffic flow. In addition, the agency will also ensure that a fund for wreckers will be prioritized for the towing of heavy vehicles such as container vans in the area.

“The agency will coordinate with the police to ensure peace and order in the area where we are conducting clearing operations. This is to avoid incidents where personnel from our teams are injured or harmed by violators,” Artes noted, as he appealed to the public not to resort to violent means and to instead negotiate peacefully should they be affected by the clearing operations. "Our personnel are directed to observe maximum tolerance at all times."

Meanwhile, MMDA General Manager Undersecretary Procopio Lipana said that the MMDA will support its personnel who were mauled while performing their duties. “We stand behind our personnel who got hurt or injured while doing their duty. These incidents, however, will not hinder us from performing our job,” he added.

Artes said the agency will pursue criminal and administrative charges against a barangay captain for hitting an MMDA employee while conducting clearing operations along Dagupan Extension in Tondo.

For his part, DILG Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs Felicito Valmocina said that the cleared area will be turned over to its barangay captain to maintain the orderliness in the area. “The DILG will monitor the cleared areas. Should the barangay captain fail to maintain the cleanliness of their areas of jurisdiction, they will face appropriate sanctions.”

Artes, Lipana, and Valmocina as well as MMDA Deputy Chairman Undersecretary Frisco San Juan Jr. led the said inter-agency clearing operations.

Photos from Metropolitan Manila Development Authority

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