170 HPG personnel on 56 vehicles to keep an eye on EDSA traffic

FILE PHOTO / INQUIRER.NET

MEMBERS of the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) will be constantly visible on EDSA, especially during rush hours when traffic congestion is worst.

The announcement was made on Wednesday to reporters by new HPG director Brig. Gen. Eliseo Cruz, according to the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

“We will be helping in traffic direction and control. This is also part of proactive measures against all types of crimes that may be committed along EDSA,” Cruz said.

The official added at least 170 HPG personnel on 20 cars and 36 motorcycles have already been assigned positions along EDSA. They are tasked to assist in easing traffic flow and running after undisciplined motorists.

Cruz said the return of HPG on EDSA is part of the mandate of the unit to be present in major thoroughfares not only in Metro Manila but also in the provinces.

“There are some people stating that police presence along EDSA is good since some motorists are more afraid of policemen than civilian traffic enforcers,” he said.

The deployment of HPG policemen along the main thoroughfare was done in the past administration and has been effective in compelling motorists to follow traffic rules. This resulted in a few minutes’ less travel time on EDSA, the PNA said.