WATCH: Clearing operations in Divisoria ahead of Christmas shopping season

The Manila City government starts the clearing operations in Divisoria ahead of the Christmas shopping season. Screengrab from INQUIRER Radyo video

MANILA, Philippines — Local authorities on Wednesday dismantled illegal stalls and other illegal structures in Divisoria, city of Manila ahead of the Christmas shopping season.

In a video by Radyo INQUIRER, personnel of the Manila City Bureau of Permit (MCPB) and other local authorities could be seen clearing streets of Divisoria.

MCPB team leader Irish Sarmiento said police, barangay officials and city hall have agreed to take down illegal structures in the area.

“Kapag napicture-an ka ng katabi mo, nai-send sa amin, tatanggalin ka na namin sa pwesto mo. Katulong namin ang pulis, barangay saka city hall,” he said in an interview.

(If the stall next to you took a picture of you, and they sent it to us, we will remove you from your post. We are coordinating with the police, barangay officials and city hall.)

Sarmiento said they also gave warning to other stall owners to take down their illegal structures.

Local authorities likewise deployed marshals in the area to remind customers to observe social distancing, wear face masks and face shields.

JPV