HPG warns EDSA motorists to shape up

MANILA, Philippines — Undisciplined motorists passing through EDSA should shape up starting today as the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) will not hesitate to arrest and sanction them for traffic violations.

HPG traffic enforcement unit chief Lt. Col. Emmanuel Tabuena yesterday warned motorists they would strictly enforce traffic regulations along EDSA.

While they will implement maximum tolerance against hotheaded motorists, Tabuena said they would issue traffic citation tickets to violators.

“Hindi tayo makikipag-argue pero kailangan natin sila tiketan. Ipapakita natin na ang HPG police officers ay professional,” he said in a radio interview.

The HPG has deployed nearly 200 personnel, including 25 policewomen, to help ease traffic congestion along the most busiest thoroughfare in Metro Manila.

The stretch of EDSA from Timog to Ortigas will be under the supervision of the HPG. Traffic constables of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority will manage the flow of vehiles from Timog to Balintawak and from Ortigas to Pasay.

Although the presence of armed police officers along EDSA will be a deterrent against crimes, Tabuena assured the public that they would use their firearms in extreme situations such as pursuing suspected criminals.

“Hindi po natin puwedeng gamitin ang ating firearms sa minor traffic violations at maiinit na ulo na drivers,” he said.

To ensure that there will be no traffic gridlock, the HPG will work in two shifts: from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.

In case of traffic jams even at night, Tabuena said police officers would extend their presence on EDSA until 1 a.m.