Roxas Boulevard markers, studs stolen – DPWH

MANILA, Philippines — Some reflectorized markers and solar studs installed along Roxas Boulevard are missing and may have been stolen, officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said yesterday.

DPWH spokesperson Anna Mae Lamentillo told The STAR that the reflectorized markers lining the center island of Roxas Boulevard could have been stolen as they are made of steel that can be sold to junk shops.

“Nakaw daw. We didn’t remove anything,” Lamentillo said.

Asked what the DPWH could do to address the apparent theft of reflectorized markers, Lamentillo said that they do not have the police power to apprehend thieves or traffic violators.

She added that the DPWH’s jurisdiction is over once they have turned over the project.

Meanwhile, DPWH South Manila District engineer Mikunug Macud said the agency has not removed any of the solar studs installed along Roxas Boulevard by the city government of Manila.

“The DPWH has not removed cat’s eye/road studs in the area, per… Macud,” the DPWH said in a Viber message to The STAR.

“Most probably, they are being stolen,” the DPWH added.

Macud’s statement came after some solar studs went missing nearly three months after the Manila City government installed them in August.

Roxas Boulevard is a national road but it was the city government of Manila that installed the safety devices, according to the DPWH.

Mayor Isko Moreno, who envisioned Manila as a “city of lights,” had the solar studs installed as part of a “street lighting program” for its main roads. The studs were meant to guide motorists at night, especially during heavy rains.

Manila Police District director Brig. Gen. Rolando Miranda has ordered an investigation into the missing items, to which he added the metal guardrails installed along the boulevard in Februrary.

“We will get to the bottom of this and if it is proven that street children are behind this, then we will rescue them, send them to the local social welfare department and file cases against their parents,” he told The STAR.

Miranda said junkyard operators may also be charged for buying government property. –  Rey Galupo