MMDA launches text, email notification for NCAP violations

Metro Manila, Philippines - Motorists who violated traffic rules will receive real-time notifications via text or email under the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced on Monday, July 7.

The feature followed the launch of MMDA’s web-based platform dubbed “May Huli Ka” last month.

The NCAP, which relies on security cameras and artificial intelligence to catch violators, was re-implemented in May after the Supreme Court partially lifted the temporary restraining order against its implementation.

In a press briefing, MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said violation notices will be sent to the motorists’ contact records under the Land Transportation Office.

He said NCAP violations will still undergo manual verification before tickets are issued via text or email.

“Kapag confirm na po niya ay makaka-receive na po ng text a few seconds or a few minutes…and email notice ‘yun pong motorista na nag-violate,” Artes said.

[Translation: Once they confirm, the driver who committed the violation will receive a text message within a few seconds or a few minutes, and an email notice as well.]

The MMDA chief said the text and email will not include payment links that will direct motorists to settle fines to avoid scams. The violators also cannot reply to the message.

Text will come from “MMDA_NCAP” with no contact number, while email notices will come from no-reply@mmda.gov.ph.

“Kung ang nagpadala po sa inyo ay may number na naka-indicate sa information noong sender, fake iyan,” he said.

[Translation: If the sender has a number indicated in the sender's information, it's fake.]

Artes urged the public to be cautious and discerning when they receive messages on NCAP violations. Anomalous messages may be reported to MMDA’s social media accounts.

Meanwhile, the MMDA chief said the agency is also ironing out plans to utilize mobile wallets in settling fines, which may be launched this month.

“Ongoing po ang negotiations namin with GCash para magkaroon mismo ng thumbnail doon, may mga privacy concerns lang kami,” he said.

[Translation: Our negotiations with GCash are ongoing so that there can be a dedicated thumbnail there; we just have some privacy concerns.]