By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said Highway Patrol Group (HPG) personnel will reinforce local checkpoints to intensify patrols and traffic rules enforcement following a road rage and shooting incident that left one motorcycle rider dead on March 30 in Antipolo City.
PNP-HPG spokesperson Lt. Nadame Malang said two to four HPG personnel will be deployed in each of the 86 provincial highway patrol teams nationwide.
“We will give the best effort and the prior deployments para masamahan yung ating mga checkpoints ng ating mga local (to join our local checkpoints),” Malang said in a media interview at Camp Crame.
He said a total of 736 HPG personnel will also reinforce areas considered as “hotspots” during the summer vacation exodus.
PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil, for his part, ordered the HPG to conduct random checks not only on motorcycles but also on four-wheel vehicles.
He said the Antipolo City’s road rage and shooting incident is a testament to the importance of checkpoint operations.
He called on all gun owners to practice utmost patience and restraint, especially in heated situations, emphasizing that anger must never dictate one’s actions when carrying a firearm.
Marbil earlier proposed a lifetime ban on violators of the election gun ban.
“Whether during the election period or not, we must all uphold responsible firearm ownership to prevent senseless violence,” he said. (PNA)
