Officials of MMDA Apprehends Towing Crew Over Illegal Towing Operations

Towing trucks accredited by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority are now under fire when MMDA officials apprehended several people who are illegally towing vehicles along Panay Avenue, Quezon City.

Illegal Towing

In a video posted by Gadget Addict, several suspects are operating without necessary requirements like the reference number for the operation. Three of the workers are also wearing slippers, which are prohibited by the government. They are also operating without an MMDA enforcer on site.

When asked, an MMDA enforcer named Micua ML, was assigned by the Barangay Officials to tow the vehicle due to illegal parking. He also said that after he gave the ticket to the towing group, they disappeared immediately.

The MMDA officer cannot help but feel frustrated especially when the towing crew cannot provide any reference number. What’s more, the TIF does not have any signature too.

Are They Paying the Officers?

To check the credibility of the MMDA enforcers, the MMDA official checked whether the towing crew is paying the enforcers. The crew said he is paying PHP200 to the dispatch team but did not give anything to the officer in question. He also said that they are only receiving food in exchange for the help.

The official ordered this to stop immediately.

Tama na yang kalakaran na yan ha. Kaya kayo nagkakalakas ng loob akala nyo okay na kayo eh.

In the end, the action was declared illegal towing and the towing company needs to face charges.

What To Keep in Mind if Your Car is Towed

Tow trucks accredited by MMDA must have an enforcer present during operations. If your vehicle is being towed by an MMDA accredited truck and there is no enforcer on site, call the MMDA hotline at 136 immediately.

1. They must not tow your vehicle without an enforcer present.

2. They must not tow your vehicle to another place, find a nearby enforcer and ask him to issue the ticket.

3. They must call the MMDA Metrobase and get a reference number. This allows the MMDA to verify the towed vehicle actually made it to the impound area.

4. These tow trucks are owned by private companies, not the MMDA. They are accredited by the MMDA and must follow the MMDA guidelines.

5. If your vehicle is damaged during towing, you should file a complaint with the company that towed your vehicle.

6. Do not try to negotiate with the tow companies, it will nearly always cost you more than just following the legitimate procedure. It may also make it harder for you to file a complaint later if you’ve made a “special deal” at the side of the road.

Watch the video here: