MMDA sees lapses in QC fatal towing incident

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Tuesday said there were some lapses on the part of its personnel in the towing incident that killed a rider in Quezon City on Saturday.

Interviewed on GMA News’ Unang Balita, MMDA spokesperson Mel Carunungan said the lapses are on the grounds of the guidelines of the Metro Manila Council for towing and impound.

“In this case, there were some lapses already initially observed. On the other aspects po, the general manager po is tasked to study the case,” she said.

“We will be investigating all the participants to see if the proper safety protocols were covered and where the lapses were. We will make sure po that this investigation is impartial,” she added.

According to Carunungan, MMDA chairperson Romando Artes tasked MMDA General Manager Procopio Lipana to lead the investigation into the incident.

The driver of the forklift identified as Rolando Llanera of MMDA road emergency group has no records of getting involved in similar incidents, Carunungan said.

He is now under the custody of Police Station 10, according to Curunungan.

The MMDA vowed to provide financial and repair assistance to the victims.

On Saturday, a motorcycle rider identified as 47-year-old Dexter Cortez died when he was run over by a 14-wheeler truck after the rope loosened from MMDA’s forklift. —KG, GMA Integrated News