Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Six members of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Highway Patrol Group (HPG) on Friday (September 4) showed how they plan to manage traffic at Ortigas — one of the six major chokepoints on EDSA.
Around 96 HPG personnel will be deployed to manage traffic starting Monday (September 7) next week.
Related: HPG takes over EDSA traffic management on Sept. 7
During the demonstration, HPG enforcers directed the buses to stay on the right lane. Traffic flow was smooth during the dry run and none of the buses violated traffic rules.
The enforcers said they hope that it will also be this easy when they finally take over next week.
“Malaki naman siguro ang respeto ng mga motorista sa amin sa kalsada, so sana mabawasan natin yung traffic. Sana. Hopefully,” P03 Edwin Manlangit said.
Related: Highway Patrol Group to lead clearing of EDSA chokepoints
Unlike enforcers of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), HPG personnel can carry guns.
Earlier, MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said these firearms might make the HPG more effective in managing EDSA’s traffic.
But HPG director C/Supt. Arnold Gunnacao also has this reminder: “Ang highway patrol natin ay nagdadala ng baril para sa sariling proteskyon lamang. Alam niyo ang mga pulis ‘pag exposed sa labas walang cover, walang protection. Napaka-dangerous ng katayuan nila. Makakasiguro kayong mga mamamayan na safe kayo sa highway patrol.”
When to confiscate license?
The MMDA is currently training the HPG on traffic rules and regulations, which include orientation on instances when they can confiscate the licenses of erring motorists.
“Unang-una ‘pag na-involve sa aksidente and there’s a damage to property, and at the same time kapag may physical injuries, so may reckless imprudence resulting to physical injuries or homicide, ‘pag nangyari po yan, yung license mo kinukumpiska po yan at doon mo tutubusin sa LTO (Land Transportation Office),” P/Supt. Oliver Tanseco, HPG spokesperson, said.
For lighter violations, the HPG won’t seize licenses, but will instead issue a traffic violation receipt (TVR). The TVR comes with a corresponding fine, which has to be paid at the MMDA.
PNP chief Dir. Gen. Ricardo Marquez also asked the public to refrain from bribing police enforcers.
Gunnacao, on the other hand, told members of the HPG to follow President Benigno Aquino III’s directive against corruption.
