MMDA fines 105 in road clearing operation

MANILA, Philippines — One hundred five people were fined at least P1,000 each for leaving obstructions such as tables, chairs and vehicles as well as food carts and stalls during a road clearing operation yesterday in preparation for the closure of the EDSA-Kamuning flyover on May 1.

Personnel from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Special Operations Group Strike Force cleared Panay Avenue, Scout Borromeo street and Sergeant Esguerra and South Avenues in Barangays South Triangle and Laging Handa in Quezon City.

MMDA assistant general manager for operations David Angelo Vargas said the apprehensions were fewer than what officials expected.

“We held information drives for the past two days through the media and through rounds by our personnel using megaphones,” he told reporters.

People responsible for putting up food carts, stalls, tables and chairs along the sidewalks and roads were fined P1,000 each.

Drivers inside parked vehicles were fined P1,000 while those who left their parked vehicles unattended were fined P2,000 and charged additional fees for towing and impounding.

The MMDA towed two cars and two motorcycles to its impounding area in Marikina City.

The agency listed as alternate routes Panay Avenue, Sgt. Esguerra Avenue, Timog Avenue, Mother Ignacia Avenue, GMA Network Drive-11th Jamboree street, Kamuning Road, Eugenio Lopez Jr. Drive, Scout Borromeo and Samar Avenue while the EDSA-Kamuning flyover is closed to vehicular traffic from May 1 to Oct. 25.

During the closure, the Department of Public Works and Highways would replace the decks or the flooring of the flyover, where cracks have been detected, officials said.