By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
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).
PNP-HPG spokesperson Lt. Nadame Malang said they will crack down on traffic violators on roads that are not covered by NCAP and motorists concealing their license plates to avoid detection.
He said 120 HPG personnel have been deployed to various parts of Metro Manila for the purpose, while another 1,500 personnel would 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 that are not covered by the NCAP, to ensure smooth traffic for our motorists,” he 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, on the other hand, 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 said.
The move complies with PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III’s order of a swift police response.
The new top cop directed police officers to stay tuned on their radios and seek guidance on where to respond based on the complaints they receive via the 911 emergency hotline and other digital communication devices.
Meanwhile, Malang also said 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 said 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. (PNA)
