Metro Briefs: May 29, 2019

MMDA to apprehend erring UV Express vehicles

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Tuesday said they might start apprehending UV Express vehicles that pick up and drop off passengers in areas outside their terminals starting next week.

While the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s (LTFRB) Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2019-25 already took effect last May 16, the MMDA still needs at least 15 days from approval to begin enforcing the policy, traffic czar Bong Nebrija said.

MC 2019-25 abolishes the previous  policy allowing UV Express vehicles to pick up and drop off passengers within a 2-kilometer radius.

This means passengers can only ride and get off at designated terminals and not at any point in between.

Drivers caught violating the MC face charges of breach of franchise and obstruction, and fined up to P10,000, and risk suspension and cancellation of their franchise, Nebrija said. —Krixia Subingsubing and John Marwin Elao

2 die in fire that hits squatter-occupied building in Manila

A driver who was scheduled to leave for  work abroad on Tuesday, and his friend died in a fire that struck a building occupied by squatters in Manila on Monday night.

Chief Insp. Crossiv Cante, the city’s deputy fire marshal, said Aly Jaranpa, 37, went back inside the building after he saw it ablaze “to get his passport.”

“But he got trapped before he could get out,” Cante told Inquirer.

Jaysa Abedra, 31, Jarapan’s friend who went inside with him also died.

Their burnt bodies were discovered near the door or fire escape.

The three-story building at 1340 ABCD, Recto Avenue was owned by Hallmark Realty Group.

Cante said 100 families have been occupying the abandoned building. —Aie Balagtas See