Mandaluyong establishes discipline zone

The whole stretch of the busy Kalentong street in Mandaluyong City was chosen as the city’s “discipline zone” where authorities will strictly enforce laws and city ordinances.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr., and Mandaluyong City Mayor Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. jointly launched the discipline zone the other day.

“We will intensify law enforcement in these areas which include loading and unloading areas for vehicles, no parking rules on the roads, any kind of obstructions, jaywalking, littering, locking of motor and bicycles on railings, and rid the streets of cigarette vendors and street vendors,” he said.

Abalos explained that the discipline zone is a deterrent to criminals, robbers, snatchers and even traffic violators.

He added that the city government will also designate other discipline zones. A task force has been created to man the corner of Shaw Boulevard and Edsa, better known as Crossing, and go after petty criminals.

Also present during the launching were Metro Manila police chief Director Geary Barias, Eastern Police District director Chief Superintendent Leon Nilo dela Cruz, Mandaluyong police chief Senior Superintendent Carlos de Sagun and other city officials.

De la Cruz said that designating Kalentong street as a discipline zone is very ambitious since the area is a known haven of pickpockets and other petty criminals.

“But if we all help, we can bring peace and order to this place,” he said.

Apart from Kalentong street in Mandaluyong, other “discipline zones” in the eastern part of Metro Manila are F. Blumentritt St. in Barangay Pedro Cruz, San Juan City; Julia Vargas street in Pasig City; and Sumulong Highway from J.P. Rizal St. to Shoe Avenue in Sto. Niño, Marikina City.

Barias stressed that the objective of the discipline zone is to transform Metro Manila into a zone of discipline where citizens learn to obey basic laws and ordinances will be.     – Non Alquitran