Manila police redeployed to ensure enforcement of bus scheme

FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Manila Police District-Traffic division adjusted its deployment Thursday as buses barred from travelling in Manila try to enter the city despite a threat of arrest from authorities.

Senior Police Officer 1 Julian Tangan of MPD-Traffic division said more traffic officers were deployed in “priority areas” where buses coming from different parts of the metro may enter.

“Dinagdagan lang sa mga entry points tapos pag may problema sa ibang lugar, bababa nalang sila ulit (more officers were deployed to entry points. They will just return to their posts when problems are encountered in other areas),” Tangan said.

Entry points include those at Welcome Rotonda, Pasay, and Roxas Boulevard.

He said there have been several buses that were flagged down since 5 a.m., but said that they have yet to determine the exact number.

A radio report said at least seven buses were stopped along Mabuhay Rotonda.

One was identified as a Greenline Bus with license plate UYC 165 which was stopped along Blumentritt-Espana.

Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno said drivers of buses without stickers and are not inside designated terminals would be arrested.

The report also said that City Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada arrived at Mabuhay Rotonda around 7 a.m. to personally lead traffic enforcers in flagging down violators.

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