MMDA exec: Traffic violators aren’t ‘scared’ of our traffic enforcers

MANILA, Philippines — As some traffic violators appear no longer scared of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) traffic enforcers, police officers will be assisting them in managing traffic and curbing criminality in Metro Manila’s major roads.

According to MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia, some traffic violators are even so bold that they have injured traffic enforcers who were on duty.

“Wala kaming baril ‘di takot sa amin e [We don’t have guns, traffic violators are not scared of us. Last year, nabalitaan niyo ginulpi yung enforcer namin [Just last year, one of our traffic enforcers was even mauled.]” Garcia told the Inquirer Roundtable meeting on Wednesday.

Just last week, an MMDA traffic constable was stabbed after running after a thief who stole a vendor’s bag in Pasay City.

READ: Traffic constable runs after thief, stabbed, wounded

Garcia said the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) will field police officers for 20 hours a day in Metro Manila’s major thoroughfares including Edsa.

“That is why, nag-courtesy call kay chairman ng HPG, [The MMDA chairman had a courtesy call with the HPG chief]. Sila mag-de-deploy ng 20 hours a day hanggang 1 a.m. the whole [Metro Manila] including Edsa [They will deploy policemen for 20 hours a day until 1 a.m.],” Garcia added.

Garcia said the PNP unit’s help is needed because of the MMDA’s lack of manpower from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. due to insufficient budget.

Previously, PNP-HPG chief Brig. Gen. Eliseo Cruz said they will maximize their presence in Edsa to intensify its crackdown on common crimes. /muf

READ: PNP-HPG to boost visibility in Edsa, crackdown on robberies, hijackings