Manila: The Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) on Thursday said it would assist in the enforcement of traffic rules and regulations in support of the no-contact apprehension policy (NCAP).
According to Philippines News Agency, PNP-HPG spokesperson Lt. Nadame Malang stated that they will crack down on traffic violators on roads not covered by NCAP and motorists concealing their license plates to avoid detection. He mentioned that 120 HPG personnel have been deployed to various parts of Metro Manila for this purpose, with another 1,500 personnel set to be deployed in other parts of the country.
'Our director, Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta, said the deployment during the recent polls would be the same. The public must expect more visibility of the HPG, especially on roads not covered by the NCAP, to ensure smooth traffic for our motorists," Malang told reporters in Camp Crame.
The NCAP was reimplemented on May 26 along EDSA, C5 Road, and other major thoroughfares under the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) after the Supreme Court lifted the temporary restraining order (TRO) it issued against the measure in August 2022. More than 5,000 violators were apprehended in the first week of the NCAP's implementation.
On Monday, the MMDA sought assistance from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in going after around 50 motorists who were caught covering their license plates. The LTO, in turn, warned that aside from a PHP5,000 fine, violators could face up to two years imprisonment under the Republic Act 11235, or the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act.
Meanwhile, Malang said the HPG is ramping up emergency response efforts through the deployment of more than 700 handheld radios to their regional field units. "We responded to the order of our chief PNP to maximize the use of handheld radios. We have 733 handheld radios coming from our logistics office which were given to our RHPUs (regional highway patrol units) nationwide," Malang stated.
The move complies with PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III's directive for a swift police response, instructing police officers to stay tuned on their radios and seek guidance on where to respond based on complaints received via the 911 emergency hotline and other digital communication devices.
Additionally, Malang mentioned that the HPG has procured chainsaws and electric generators to prepare for emergencies this rainy season. "Our director ordered the acquisition of equipment to help the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways), especially in clearing roadblocks caused by debris during bad weather," he added.
The PNP earlier announced it is ready to deploy over 26,000 communication assets, 9,000 transportation assets, and 8,400 search and rescue equipment for the rainy season, which officially started on June 2.
