20 ‘illegal’ structures cleared

CEBU, Philippines —  After three hours of clearing, the demolition team had torn down 20 illegal structures along the sidewalks near the Tabunok market in Talisay City yesterday.

In addition, two motorcycles and three hybrid tricycles locally known as “tangkal-tangkal” found obstructing the road were also towed by the clearing team composed of personnel from the City of Talisay-Traffic Operation Development Authority (CT-TODA), the Clearing Division of the Talisay City government, the police, and officials of Barangay Tabunok.

According to Jonathan “Joy” Tumulak, traffic czar of the city, the team is set to demolish two more structures found obstructing the road. However, he added that the owners will be given a chance to voluntarily level down their structures.

Tumulak explained that they did not clear the two structures as they are made of concrete, so they had requested the City Legal Office to inform the owners of their violation.

If the owners will not heed the request for voluntary demolition, Tumulak said they will be forced to clear the two structures.

Tumulak also said that many drivers were also called out for illegal parking yesterday. Some vehicles, especially those unattended to for long hours, were towed.

Talisay City’s efforts to clear the roads are part of its response to the challenge of President Rodrigo Duterte, who, in his last State of the Nation Address, challenged the local government units to “give the road back to the people.”

Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas has implemented a no parking policy along the stretch of the national highway in Talisay City.

He has also strengthened the campaign against other traffic violations, such as driving without helmets and without licenses. — JMD (FREEMAN)