MMDA asks illegal settlers to leave Parañaque creek banks

MANILA, Philippines - Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Bayani Fernando asked 125 families who illegally settled at the creek banks along Sucat Road in Parañaque City to evacuate before the MMDA conducts its scheduled demolition by the last week of the month.

He made the appeal during his regular program “MMDA sa GMA,” said the 125 illegal settler families living along the area fronting the Casino Filipino cause floods in Metro Manila.

“They need to leave the creeks for their own safety and for the prevention of flooding in Metro Manila. There are 125 squatter families living in this area who throw their garbage into the creeks, clogging them and causing floods during the rainy season,” Fernando said.

Fernando said the clogged creeks caused water to reach the railing of the Sto. Niño bridge last week.

He said at least 25 families have received financial assistance through the coordination of the national government with the barangay captain of Sto. Nino.

“We will be implementing widening of the creek. The MMDA will also lay pipes and repair the drainage system at the stretch of Sucat Road. We have already coordinated with the local officials of Paranaque for the relocation of the affected families and we sent notices to them since last month,” Fernando said.   

 Fernando said it would be difficult to widen the creek if the squatter families are still in the area. – Jose Rodel Clapano