The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has commended the Special Operations Group – Strike Force (SOG-SF) for their ongoing efforts to combat illegal parking and road obstructions in the National Capital Region.
Recent operations conducted on West Avenue, Del Monte Avenue, Sto. Domingo, Amoranto, Tuazon Boulevard, Maria Clara Street, Luzon Avenue, Regalado Avenue, and Congressional Avenue, all in Quezon City and part of the Mabuhay Lanes led to the apprehension of 103 vehicles, of which 21 were impounded.
The Mabuhay Lanes are alternative routes to the 23.8-kilometer EDSA. These cover the cities of Mandaluyong, San Juan, Makati, Manila, and Quezon City. It also includes secondary roads going to shopping destinations in Metro Manila such as Baclaran in Parañaque, Greenhills in San Juan, Divisoria, and Carriedo in Manila.
During the operations, makeshift stores, ambulant vendors, sidewalk vendors, and other obstructions that contribute to traffic congestion in the area were also removed. “Every clearing operation aims to remove all types of obstructions on the roads and sidewalks to ensure smooth traffic flow and to make pedestrian pathways safe,” stated SOG-SF Chief Gabriel Go.
Go assured the community that they will revisit the area to ensure that violators do not return. The MMDA is urging the public to cooperate by reporting illegally parked vehicles, vendors, and other road obstructions. Owners of illegally parked vehicles will face a fine of P1,000, while unattended illegally parked vehicles will incur a P2,000 fine. Towed vehicles will be brought to the agency’s impounding area.