2 knifed as Pasay clears sidewalks

Two members of the Pasay City government’s Waste Management Unit were stabbed by an unidentified man while clearing Roxas Boulevard of illegal sidewalk vendors Sunday morning.

Reports identified the victims as Leo Noveda and Rogelio Gaginanan. Their assailant was described to be 5’6" tall and wearing a striped green polo shirt and a pair of sunglasses.

Despite the incident, City Mayor Wenceslao "Pewee" Trinidad vowed an intensified campaign in clearing the city’s streets of obstructions. The mayor has pledged support for Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Bayani Fernando’s ongoing drive to clear the metropolis’ streets of obstructions. Authorities arrested a certain Cheery Pineda, 31, and a 15-year-old boy.

Trinidad said the two were believed to be sympathizers of the illegal vendors who have set up stalls in front of the Diplomat Building along the service road on Roxas Boulevard. They were brought to the police station for investigation.

Reports showed that the incident happened at around 10:30 a.m. while 15 members of the unit, headed by team supervisor Alfredo Legazpi, were clearing the area. They were armed with bamboo sticks.

Angry vendors, however, refused to vacate their stalls and the operation resulted in a violent clash. While the vendors reportedly ganged up on the team, a man suddenly stabbed Noveda in the back with a double-bladed weapon. Gaginanan rushed to his colleague’s aid but was also stabbed by the man in the chest.

The rest of the team tried to chase the man but the mob, armed with wooden clubs, blocked them. The victims were taken to the San Juan de Dios Hospital and later transferred to the Pasay City General Hospital.– Nikko Dizon