Clearing ops done in southern Metro

“Today’s operations were aimed at clearing the national roads of Muntinlupa and Las Piñas, with road and sidewalk obstructions, as part of fulfilling (Transportation) Secretary (Arthur) Tugade’s directive, especially those illegally parked vehicles,” I-ACT communication chief, Elmer Argano, said in a text message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA). (Photo: Argaño Elmer/Facebook)

MANILA — The Inter-Agency Council on Traffic (I-ACT) on Wednesday conducted clearing operations in the cities of Parañaque, Muntinlupa and Las Piñas to decongest traffic in the southern part of Metro Manila.

Task Force Alamid issued traffic tickets to 37 motorists for obstruction and illegal parking; towed seven vehicles, including a barangay service van; impounded two illegally franchised or “colorum” UV Express; and apprehended five motorists for not wearing crash helmets.

“Today’s operations were aimed at clearing the national roads of Muntinlupa and Las Piñas, with road and sidewalk obstructions, as part of fulfilling (Transportation) Secretary (Arthur) Tugade’s directive, especially those illegally parked vehicles,” I-ACT communication chief, Elmer Argano, said in a text message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

Wednesday’s operations were conducted by personnel of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Sidewalk Clearing Operations Group (MMDA SCOG), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG), Armed Forces of the Philippines – Joint Task Force (AFP-JTF), and enforcers of the Metro Manila Council (MMC). It was led by Task Force Commander retired Brig. Gen. Manny Gonzales.

Task Force Alamid is a composite team that was formed by I-ACT to help manage the expected traffic congestion in Metro Manila with the onset of the holiday season.

It seeks to focus on clearing illegally parked vehicles and other obstructions in traffic-prone areas of the metropolis. Enforcement operations will be conducted in areas leading to seaports, airports, bus terminals, and major thoroughfares in Metro Manila.

The task force also aims to address other traffic concerns, such as “colorum” vehicles, and the implementation of laws on anti-drunk and distracted driving, among others.

I-ACT consists of the Department of Transportation, MMDA, PNP-HPG, LTO, and LTFRB, which have been tasked to address traffic congestion in Metro Manila, Laguna, Rizal, Cavite, and Bulacan.