Battle for Metro sidewalks claims first casualty

The sidewalk clearing operations of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has claimed its first victim following the death of a vendor in Makati City the other day.

The Philippine National Police-Traffic Enforcement Group (TEG) said one of its members shot and killed a sidewalk vendor during a clearing operation conducted near the Magallanes Interchange in Makati City.

PO2 Juancho Ibis of the Makati police said the incident took place at around 4:45 p.m. last Tuesday along EDSA Mantrade near the gate of Dasmariñas Village.

A team of MMDA operatives on board a bus and escorted by 10 members of the TEG was deployed at the area to remove the illegal vendors situated on the sidewalk of the major thoroughfare.

As soon as the operatives arrived, the vendors started fleeing, taking along their wares.

However, one of the vendors who was selling food items on a bicycle did not run with the others, and instead pulled out a 9-mm pistol.

The vendor, who was identified as Iladio Tuacar, a resident of South Bangkal, Makati City, fired twice at the MMDA operatives.

SPO2 Sabado Pujeda, one of the TEG members, claimed that he was the one being targeted by Tuacar and fired back at the vendor.

Pujeda told investigators that he fired four shots which critically wounded Tuacar.

Tuacar was rushed by the MMDA Rescue Team to the Ospital ng Makati but died while being treated.

Ibis disclosed that the firearm license found on the victim had already expired. The victim’s wife later claimed that it was already renewed.

Pujeda is currently detained at the Makati Police headquarters where he would be charged with homicide.

Based on unconfirmed reports from the MMDA, the vendor was a former member of the defunct Philippine Constabulary.

Despite the incident, MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando said that there would be no let down in the clearing operations.

Fernando said that during a meeting with the Metro Manila Council attended by representatives of the National Anti-Poverty Commission and the Department of Labor and Employment, it was agreed that the vendors should move into the market places which are enough to accommodate them all.

Fernando also met with Interior and Local Government Secretary Jose Lina, Jr. the other day to discuss the legality of the MMDA’s clearing operations.