Caloocan, Malabon residents eye raps vs truckers

MANILA, Philippines - Residents of several barangays adjacent to Dagat-Dagatan Avenue, which runs through the cities of Caloocan and Malabon, are planning to file complaints against operators and drivers of cargo trucks allegedly illegally parked along the national highway.

Three trucking firms are located in Barangay 14, Caloocan City alone and their trucks reportedly occupy the avenue from Letre in Malabon to C-3 Road in Caloocan even during peak hours, causing traffic jams, officials said.

Barangay 14 chairman Alex Mangasar said they have been trying to solve the problem of abusive truck drivers and operators, “but they can only do so much.”

He said the city’s department of public safety and traffic management as well as the police should also help address the problem. Mayor Oscar Malapitan was not available for comment yesterday but one of his aides said the mayor will look into the problem.

“Meding,” one of the Barangay 14 residents planning to file a petition asking Malapitan to act on the matter, said barangay officials are no match for trucking firm owners. She pointed out that last year, several persons were injured when a cargo truck driver disregarded a “no U-turn” sign.

“These people bribe traffic officials, including barangay watchmen tasked to man traffic, and would even drop names when confronted. That is why their drivers openly defy (the law),” she said.