In the midst of the controversy surrounding Special Operations Group-Strike Force (SOG-SF) chief Gabriel Go, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is now prohibiting vlogging, recording, posting, and other forms of documentation of its operations during official work hours, including by private vloggers.
MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said photos and videos of operations will be posted by their Public Information Office on official platforms such as Facebook, X (twitter), and Instagram.
On Friday, the SOG-SF reaffirmed its commitment to removing illegally parked vehicles and other obstructions on major roads in the capital region.
“We will continue conducting clearing operations on major roads, alternative routes, and Mabuhay Lanes as long as there are still violators of illegal parking,” the team stated.
In a recent operation along Commonwealth Avenue, Mindanao Avenue Extension, and Lagro in Quezon City, the SOG-SF apprehended 73 vehicles, of which 19 were impounded.
During these operations, makeshift stores, ambulant vendors, sidewalk vendors, and other obstructions contributing to traffic congestion were also removed.
The team assured the community that they would revisit these areas to prevent violators from returning.
Artes emphasized that every clearing operation conducted by the SOG-SF aims to eliminate all types of obstructions on roads and sidewalks to ensure smooth traffic flow and safety for pedestrians.
The agency has established the SOG-SF to apprehend illegally parked vehicles, dismantle informal roadside shops, dwellings, and other illegal structures as part of a comprehensive cleanup operation intended to ease traffic and restore order on the streets of the metropolis.
The team consistently conducts road clearing operations throughout Metro Manila, especially along Mabuhay Lanes, which are alternative routes to the 23.8-kilometer Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA).
Mabuhay Lanes cover the cities of Mandaluyong, San Juan, Makati, Manila, and Quezon City. These include secondary roads leading to shopping areas in Metro Manila such as Baclaran in Parañaque, Greenhills in San Juan, Divisoria, and Carriedo in Manila.
Go, the head of SOG-SF, came under fire for his involvement in an incident captured on a viral video, in which he was seen scolding a police captain for illegal parking during a road clearing operation in Quezon City.
On Thursday, Go personally visited the National Police Commission’s central office and issued a public apology, stating that it was not his intention to harm the reputation of the police force.
The MMDA confirmed that a show cause order has been issued to Go and assured he would receive due process and appropriate penalties.
The MMDA, meanwhile, urges the public to cooperate by reporting illegally parked vehicles, vendors, and other road obstructions.
Owners of illegally parked vehicles will face a fine of P1,000, while unattended illegally parked vehicles will incur a fine of P2,000. Towed vehicles will be brought to the agency’s impounding area.
The government has previously warned errant motorists, illegal vendors, and unscrupulous business owners about the resumption of crackdowns on illegal parking and other forms of road obstruction in Metro Manila.
Illegal vendors and undisciplined drivers should anticipate strict enforcement with limited leniency from the MMDA. Business owners have also been warned to dismantle any fixtures encroaching on sidewalks.
Artes has committed to clamping down on activities that obstruct traffic flow and endanger other road users on both major and secondary streets in Metro Manila.
