LGUs, NCRPO, MMDA join forces in clearing ops in Pasig, Malabon, Pateros

In a race against time, several government officials in Metro Manila kickstarted several initiatives in line with President Rodrigo Duterte's order to clear all kinds of obstructions along public roads.

According to Cedric Castillo's report on Balitanghali, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) demolished the first of 35 police precincts that were obstructing sidewalks and other areas for public use.

Sledgehammer in hand, NCRPO chief Major General Guillermo Eleazar took the first swing at a hulking assistance center that was taking up a sidewalk at Barangay Tinajeros in Malabon City.

"Five of them (precincts) are encroaching public roads, 25 are sitting on sidewalks, like this one, and merong 5 na nasa loob ng sitting island. Eventually dapat mailipat ito pero ang paramount concern kasi natin  ngayon is 'yung peace and order sa area," Eleazar said.

"Hindi porket gan'yan 'yung mga 'yan is tatanggalin agad natin. We are coordinating first with the local government unit, in particular, 'yung barangay, 'yung ma-a-accommodate sila," he added.

Pasig, Pateros clearing ops

Meanwhile, in Pasig City and Pateros, top officials of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) accompanied Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto and Pateros Mayor Ike Ponce during respective clearing operations in their jurisdictions on Thursday.

Seen in a separate Balitanghali report by Mark Salazar, obstructive stalls were removed and vendors were reminded to comply with regulations or face getting their permits revoked.

Sotto, however, emphasized that the local government should lead the way and clear out its own obstructions, such as a barangay outpost that was removed from a sidewalk at Barangay Buting.

For his part, Ponce said, in a week's time, they will be ready to come out with an update on their "zero obstruction" program.

Ponce also urged residents to cooperate in helping clearing their neighborhood of obstruction, and help maintain cleanliness in their communities. — Margaret Claire Layug/MDM, GMA News