Dennis Gasgonia

Article (news)

Jessie Cruzat

ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority conducted a clearing operation along several roads in Tondo, Manila on Wednesday, January 14.According to MMDA Special Operations Group–Strike Force Head Gabriel Go, the operation is part of the agency’s continuing efforts to keep major thoroughfares passable, particularly along Mel Lopez Boulevard, also known as Road 10.“Ang mangyayari po dito, magki-clear po tayo ngayon, bukas babalik na naman. After a few days, andiyan na naman. Meron po tayong instances na na-tow natin ‘yong sasakyan then after a week pagbalik natin, same place, same parking… We have to be enough with being hard headed,” Go said.<div><a class="fr-green" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/weather-traffic/2025/5/28/mmda-conducts-clearing-operations-and-traffic-management-in-commonwealth-avenue-2346">MMDA conducts clearing operations and traffic management in Commonwealth Avenue</a></div>Even decorative flaglets intended for the upcoming Feast of the Santo Niño were removed for obstructing the roadway.Street vendors occupying the roadside and sidewalks were also ordered to clear the area.One vendor resisted as MMDA personnel confiscated the stand holding her goods.“Wala naman po kaming ibang pupwestuhan. Hindi naman po kami namemerwisyo… Susubukan ulit, pag nag-clearing ulit, gagawin. Hanapbuhay yan e. Mas matatakot ho kami kung wala kaming kakainin,” the vendor said.Tricycles were not also spared from the operation. One of the impounded tricycles was found to have no plate number and was allegedly being driven by a driver without a license.“Ito lang hanap-buhay, kuhanan nila ako ng hanap-buhay. Ano ang ipakain ko sa lima kong anak… Wala pong budget e. Mahal mahal ng lisensya ngayon. Wala kang sampung libo, wala kang lisensya,” said the driver.Several four-wheeled vehicles parked on sidewalks were also towed.Motorists were flagged down and issued citations for traffic violations such as not wearing proper helmets or carrying child passengers.<div><a class="fr-green" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/5/torre-to-lead-mmda-daily-ops-to-focus-on-traffic-discipline-emergency-response-1241">Torre to lead MMDA daily ops, to focus on traffic discipline, emergency response</a></div>Trailer trucks parked in unauthorized areas were likewise issued tickets.Along Honorio Lopez Street, clearing teams confiscated a vending machine positioned directly on the sidewalk.“Sobrang mahalaga po kasi ito po ‘yong bumubuhay sa pitong anak ko po… Wala pong choice. Gano’n po talaga kailangan natin sumunod sa batas,” the vendo owner said.MMDA officials stressed that the clearing operations are not aimed at targeting the poor.“Hindi po anti-poor ang pagki-clearing operation natin. Pag kini-clear namin kayo, dahil kayo po ay may paglabag. Hindi naman po namin kayo kini-clear dahil sa kapasidad n’yo po,” Go explained.Meanwhile, the Manila Police District (MPD) said it has rolled out programs to help address discipline-related issues in the area.PLtCol. Ronald De Leon, station commander of the Raxabago Police Station, said they are working closely with barangay officials in Tondo.“Maraming makulit pero sinasanay natin. Meron kasi tayong sinusundang programa dito sa Tondo together with our barangay officials, sa bagong Tondo kami ay disiplinado. ‘Yon ang dinadahan dahan natin sa ating mga kababayan dito hanggang sa matuto na silang sumunod,” De Leon said.In total, 65 motorists were issued tickets for various traffic violations while 18 vehicles were towed and brought to the MMDA impounding area in Tumana, Marikina.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority conducted a clearing operation along several roads in Tondo, Manila on Wednesday, January 14.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority conducted a clearing operation along several roads in Tondo, Manila on Wednesday, January 14.

'Enough with being hard headed': MMDA clears sidewalks, roads in Tondo

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'Enough with being hard headed': MMDA clears sidewalks, roads in Tondo

Jessie Cruzat,

ABS-CBN News

Published Jan 14, 2026 06:49 PM PHT

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Clearing operation

MMDA

Tondo

Road 10

sidewalk

obstruction

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