By CESAR JOLITO III

The Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department (BTTMD) has resumed its clamping operations, targeting vehicles illegally parked near hospitals and other critical areas, in an effort to ease congestion and ensure emergency access.

Since the enforcement drive restarted, five vehicles have already been clamped, most of them found violating parking rules around medical facilities, BTTMD officer-in-charge Atty. Reuben Mikhail Sabig said.

Sabig clarified that while the department considers genuine emergencies, violators must be able to prove such circumstances.

He also corrected a common misconception, emphasizing that vehicles may still be clamped for illegal parking even if the curbs are not painted red.

“The red markings are specifically for designating a ‘tow-away zone,’ but illegal parking can still be penalized under the city ordinance,” Sabig explained.

The BTTMD has marked several red zones, including Lacson and Burgos Streets in front of the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital, as well as along BS Aquino Drive.

At present, the department is still processing the acquisition of its own tow truck to expand towing operations and provide further assistance.

“The purpose is to discipline the people,” Sabig stressed.

Violators face clamping fees of P600 for sedans, P800 for medium-sized vehicles, and P1,000 for heavy vehicles./CJ, WDJ