The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) took action against illegally parked vehicles and road obstructions, apprehending 90 vehicles, including 19 towed and impounded, in an intensified effort to alleviate traffic congestion in the National Capital Region.
Chairperson Romando Artes emphasized the continuous efforts of the MMDA to maintain order and safety on the roads, particularly on the alternative routes used by motorists.
The latest operations targeted Malakas Street, Maunawain Street, and V. Luna Street in Barangay Pinyahan, Quezon City; Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue in Pasay City; and Zobel Roxas and Pasong Tirad Street in the cities of Manila and Makati. The operations also led to the apprehension of 10 out-of-line buses and jeeps, as well as a colorum van at Epifanio de los Santos Avenue – MCU, Commonwealth Avenue, and Fairview.
At press time, the MMDA Special Operations Group (SOG) was conducting operations along Radial 10, Capulong Street, Tayuman, Lacson Avenue, Quiricada, and Blumentritt in Manila.
The clearing operation is being carried out by the MMDA-SOG Strike Force headed by its chief, Gabriel Go, in close coordination with local government units, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Philippine National Police.
The MMDA encouraged the people, especially barangay officials, to report illegally parked vehicles and other obstructions on major roads and sidewalks in their areas.
Go emphasized that road obstructions hinder traffic flow and force pedestrians to walk on the road if sidewalks are blocked.
Motorists are urged to take pictures of illegal vendors, basketball courts, and other structures and upload them to the agency’s official social media account.
Artes stressed the importance of obeying traffic laws and not using secondary roads and sidewalks as parking lots.
The MMDA will continue its efforts to remove illegal structures and obstructions from public roads and impose penalties of P1,000 for attended illegal parking and P2,000 for unattended illegally parked vehicles.
Towed vehicles are being taken to the MMDA impounding areas in Pasay and Marikina.
