PNP-HPG, MMDA to manage Edsa traffic starting Sept. 9

MANILA, Philippines — Starting Sept. 9, members of the Philippine National Police- Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) will join forces with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in managing traffic along Edsa.

In a press conference Thursday, MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia said 100 MMDA personnel will be deployed along Edsa under the guidance of the PNP-HPG. The deployed MMDA traffic enforcers will manage traffic from Timog Avenue to Ortigas.

Meanwhile, MMDA enforcers under Edsa traffic czar Bong Nebrija will ease the traffic situation from Edsa-Timog Avenue to Balintawak and Ortigas going to Makati.

MMDA personnel under the watch of Nebrija will also manage traffic starting from Magallanes up to Roxas Boulevard.

When asked why  PNP-HPG officers are assigned to manage traffic from Timog Avenue to Ortigas, Garcia replied: “That’s the most crucial part, madaming pasaway.”

“Actually both [sides ng] Edsa, madaming pasaway. Kaya sabi ko nga, kailangan hatiin natin. Hindi kaya ng isang ahensya lang sa sobrang haba ng stretch ng Edsa.”

Will the help of the HPG loosen up traffic in the main thoroughfare? Garcia answered: “Tingin ko, mas magiging [disiplinado ang mga drivers].”

“Kasi sabi ko nga, di natin maiiwasan ang traffic because of volume. Ngayon ang volume, dinagdagan mo pa ng walang disiplina, wala talagang mangyayari sa atin.”   /muf