PNP: MMDA carpool app OK but…

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THE PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) is giving the thumbs-up to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) smartphone application that promotes carpooling, but advises netizens to boost their online security before giving it a try.

The MMDA on Monday unveiled the “Friend Trip” mobile app which would allow users to organize a carpool among their friends on the social networking site Facebook.

MMDA chair Francis Tolentino assured the riding public of the safety of the app, pointing out that it will connect users only with people they know.

But the PNP on Tuesday said interested users should remain vigilant as it still comes with “some uncertainties.”

“Criminal elements may pose as your friend and (end up knowing) the exact details of your travel activities. If your security (setting) is set to ‘public,’ someone with criminal intent may know your travel activities. And accommodating too many passengers beyond your vehicle’s safety limit may lead to accidents,” PNP spokesperson Senior Supt. Bartolome Tobias said in a statement.

Tobias advised app users to set their Facebook posts to “private” and make sure that the social media accounts they accept in their network are really owned by friends, relatives or people they personally know.

The PNP suggested that the MMDA app itself be made to display these warnings.