MMDA enforcers to undergo anti-riot training

Members of the sidewalk clearing teams of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) are set to undergo a rigid training course for their eventual transformation into units similar to those of anti-riot police.

MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando made the announcement yesterday following a recent incident at the Baclaran area in Parañaque City, where one person died and another was seriously injured during clearing operations.

Fernando said selected members of the sidewalk clearing operations will be trained in crowd control similar to what anti-riot police units undergo.

He added that operatives will also be issued truncheons and shields to be used in case of violent incidents.

Fernando said he is optimistic the presence of the trained operatives will discourage vendors from attacking.

"I’m hoping the vendors will think twice when they see that our people are fully prepared," Fernando said.

Apart from the training, the MMDA also reported that enforcers will be provided with more police escorts for their protection during clearing operations.

During a regular sidewalk clearing operation last Friday afternoon, MMDA operatives, escorted by members of the Philippine National Police, encountered an angry mob of vendors at the Baclaran area.

According to Fernando, the vendors started assaulting MMDA operatives by throwing rocks and other hard objects.

Warning shots were fired by the police to scare off the mob but the vendors allegedly retaliated with their own guns.

A pedestrian identified as Moon Baseron died after being hit by a stray bullet while an MMDA operative identified as Alex Luma was injured.

The Parañaque police are still conducting a follow-up investigation into the incident to determine who fired the fatal shot as both sides denied responsibility.