MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) has removed its checkpoints from Edsa and transferred them to other major roads in Metro Manila to avoid causing congestion.
PNP-HPG director Brig. Gen. Eliseo Cruz, however, said that they would not completely pull out of Edsa.
“We will deploy 40 motorcycle riders to conduct random inspections,” he added, explaining that policemen would be checking whether some motorists were authorized to leave their residences.
The HPG’s stationary checkpoints would be moved to C-5 Road, Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon Avenue and Roxas Boulevard, with Cruz saying a stop-and-go or check-and-release scheme would be done to avoid traffic buildup. Unauthorized motorists would have their driving licenses confiscated, he warned.Joint Task Force coronavirus disease (COVID) shield commander Police Lt. General Guillermo Eleazar, meanwhile, reminded the public that the threat of the new coronavirus disease remains and unnecessary travel would endanger their lives.
“Let’s respect our workers, who are the government’s priority to reinvigorate the economy, and give them the opportunity to earn a living for their families,” he said.