The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) launched extensive clearing operations in Manila on Thursday, aiming to decongest major arteries in preparation for the annual surge in traffic accompanying the Christmas season.
The MMDA’s Special Operations Group–Strike Force concentrated its efforts on the densely populated Tondo district, patrolling streets including Zaragoza, Moriones, and Tayuman to remove road obstructions and ensure smoother traffic flow ahead of the holiday rush.
MMDA Special Operations Group–Strike Force Head Gabriel Go stated the urgency of the preemptive action, noting the beginning of the seasonal influx of people and vehicles.
“We have to ensure that our roads, especially our ‘Mabuhay Lanes,’ will serve their purpose of having much faster travel time for our motorists,” Go said. He emphasized that areas like Tondo, which hosts the pier and the bustling Divisoria market, are central commerce hubs, making them heavily congested during the Christmas season.
The operation specifically targeted illegally parked vehicles, cars obstructing sidewalks and streets, and motorcycle riders without helmets, with several vehicles being towed.
In a related cleanup effort, the MMDA also conducted clearing operations along Tartar Creek in Barangays Pamplona Tres and Talon Dos in Las Piñas City, under its “Bayanihan sa Estero” program.