Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada on Sunday reminded motorists that private towing companies remain barred from operating in the city.
Estrada said his order last year to suspend indefinitely the operations of private towing firms in the city still stands, and that only those that belong to the city’s Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) are authorized to do so.
“Since March last year, we have stopped all towing activities within Manila. So if a towing truck without MTPB markings would try to get your vehicle, that is illegal. Call the police,” Estrada said.
After receiving numerous complaints from the public, the city government stopped the operations of privately owned firms RWM and PMA Towing Services Inc. in March last year.
Estrada said he has not authorized any new towing operators to resume operations in the city.
“We have our own tow trucks and personnel and they are under strict orders to assist the motorists in emergencies,” he said.
Recently, the Manila Police District has arrested a PMA tow truck driver after forcibly towing at least two trucks in Pandacan, according to MPD director Joel Coronel.
The MPD chief advised motorists to call MPD at 523-83-87 or Patrol 117 if they encounter such private towing trucks within the city.