QC LGU releases statement on abrupt clearing operations in UP Diliman areas

THE QUEZON City Department of Public Order Safety (QC-DPOS) and Department of Sanitation and Cleanup Workers conducted immediate and unannounced road clearing operations in Areas 1 and 2, Pook Dagohoy and Polaris in UP Diliman, yesterday, April 23. 

According to the official public statement of the Quezon City government, the road clearing operations were done upon the request of UPD vice chancellor Roehl Jamon, who appealed through the Barangay UP Campus’ Punong Barangay, Kapital Lawrence V. Mapala, based on the initial investigation of the QC government.

Vendors’ properties—including stalls, signages, chairs and tables that exceeded their designated area—were destroyed and confiscated.

A few hours before the clearing operation, the QC-DPOS collected garbage from the stalls and stores in Area 2 in J.P. Laurel Street. 

This was followed by a barricade and snake rally held in Area 2 to call for an immediate and transparent response of the QC LGU and the Barangay UP Campus officials. The protest also raised issues of commercialized spaces in UP, Area 2 demolition of sidewalks and delayed construction of the faculty center. 

The protest rally was led by the UP Not For Sale Network and UP Diliman University Students and was joined by groups like the Rise for Education Alliance-UPD, All UP Workers’ Alliance and UP A2 vendors. 

Reports from UPD-Pahayagang Kolehiyo ng Agham Panlipunan at Pilosopiya (KAPP) said that a prior clearing operation occurred in Pook Dagohoy, UP Diliman, along with a surprise inspection of kiosks. 

The QC government has apologized for the “poor handling” of its DPOS enforcers. 

The QC government said that it has started drafting a framework for future operations of this nature, based on the principles of transparency, consultation, participation, the minimization of harm, and optimal outcomes for all concerned parties. 

“Once this is finalized, we shall ensure that all our departments and agencies comply with its implementing rules and regulations,” they said.

With reports from Glaiza Chavez