Illegal structures, obstruction removed from Bontoc roads

By Alpine L. Killa and Elizabeth S. Farnican

BONTOC, Mountain Province – For the past days, the local government here and its partner agencies removed illegal structures and obstruction along thoroughfares of the capital town. 

This, following memorandum of the Dept. of Interior and Local Government to all local chief executives (governors, mayors and punong barangays) to clear public roads of illegal structures and construction as directed by  Duterte in his 2019 State of the Nation Address (SONA). 

Said officials were directed to revoke permits that give authority to private entities to occupy public roads, alleys, and other thoroughfares. 

 Bontoc Mayor Franklin Odsey who led the team during the clearing operation on Sept. 3, said removal of illegal structures and constructions, and clearing of any obstruction on alleys, streets, and sidewalks was necessary for safety of the public. 

 Odsey said common obstructions that were removed were illegally parked vehicles, motorcycle, and tricycles; sand and gravels stock piled on sides of the road.

Aside from this, vendors, store owners, and business establishments were directed to remove their products which they display on the alleys. 

The mayor urged compliance and cooperation of everyone. 

The Bontoc Municipal Traffic Task Force and the Business Permit and Licensing of the Office of the Municipal Mayor in partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Bontoc Municipal Police Station (MPS), Bontoc Municipal Traffic Enforcers Volunteer Organization (BMTEVO) and concerned barangay officials earlier notified the concerned individuals to clear the alleys and roads they obstructed.