The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has committed to extend all the necessary assistance to its personnel who would be harmed in the conduct of clearing operations and in the enforcement of traffic laws.
MMDA General Manager Procopio Lipana said all the assistance is an obligation on the part of the MMDA in a move to boost the morale and its personnel while ensuring law and order in Metro Manila roads.
“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,” said Lipana.
For his part, MMDA chairman Romando Artes appealed to the public not to resort to violent means and to instead negotiate peacefully should they be affected by the clearing operations.
“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,” said Artes.
"Our personnel are directed to observe maximum tolerance at all times," he added.
Artes said the agency will pursue criminal and administrative charges against a barangay captain in a recent punching incident of an MMDA employee while conducting clearing operations along Dagupan Extension in Tondo.
Artes and Lipana made the statement during the conduct of clearing operations along Road 10 Yuseco Extension on Dagupan Street Manila where MMDA personnel cleared the road of illegally parked vehicles such as trucks and tricycles.
Artes said the road needs to be cleared as it is a major artery going in and out of the ports where importing and exporting of goods take place.
He dded that the LGU of Manila and DILG will help maintain the cleanliness of the area so no obstructions will hamper the traffic flow.
"The MMDA will also set aside funds for wreckers to aid in towing of heavy vehicles such as container vans rampant in the area," said Artes.
The clearing operations is part of the agency’s intensified clearing operations along key routes in Metro Manila to keep the road free from obstructions.