13 MMDA workers face raps for removing LRT post

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) charged 13 workers of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) with robbery for allegedly removing a Light Rail Transit (LRT) vertical clearance post and signage worth P1.7 million, then selling the lot to a junk shop for only P77,000.

In a report to NBI Director Nestor Mantaring, NBI Special Task Force (STF) chief Arnel Dalumpines identified the respondents as team leader Gil Silos; security back-up Robert Lao and Fernando Flores; driver Gilmar Deloria; and crewmembers Rollien Arayata, Rhoyleen Arro, Alex Inocando, Rico Vico, Richard Ordiales, Perfecto Miguel, Mark Davie Magaro, Joven Abanes and Senon Tejada.

The respondents are reportedly all members of the MMDA’s Sidewalk Clearing Operations Group (SCOG).

The charges stemmed from a complaint filed by the Light Rail Transit Authority, represented by LRTA administrator Mel Robles.

In July 2003, LRT safety officer Edgar dela Cruz reported the loss of the clearance post on Fifth Avenue in Caloocan City. He identified the MMDA personnel as the ones who took the post and the signage without informing the LRTA management.

The Civil Security Office confirmed there had been no prior order from MMDA officials to remove the structure.

Robles said the structure served to prevent large 10-wheeler trucks that speed along C-3 Road from hitting the LRT Line 1’s elevated railway at the corner of Rizal Avenue.

He said LRTA officials “were forced to seek the help of the NBI” because the MMDA failed to take action against its erring personnel.

The NBI’s surveillance and monitoring team identified the 13 MMDA personnel who dismantled the structure, then sold the scraps to the Arfac junk shop in Barangay Culiat, Quezon City.

The NBI summoned junk shop owner Maricel Barbosa for questioning, but Barbosa failed to appear before the NBI.

The junk shop owner and manager Maricel Barbosa was summoned to appear for investigation before the NBI but failed to do so.

Robles said MMDA officials promised to replace the stolen structure after the incident, adding that they have yet to fulfill their promise.