EDSA will now be under the watch both of the traffic marshals deployed by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and highway patrol units of the Philippine National Police.
MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino on Friday said this partnership with the PNP under its newly appointed chief, Director General Ricardo Marquez, was prompted by the “lawlessness being committed against our hapless [MMDA] personnel.’’
He was referring to recurring incidents of unarmed MMDA marshals being assaulted by hotheaded motorists flagged down for violations.
About 200 members of the PNP Highway Patrol Group will be deployed to complement some 500 MMDA personnel.
“Finally, the PNP under Director General Marquez has acceded to our long-standing request to help us manage traffic and put a stop to this lawlessness being committed against our hapless personnel. They (PNP) will serve as a strong deterrent to the unabated disregard for the law… and against criminal elements that prey on pedestrians, commuters and motorists along Edsa,” Tolentino said.
The police would also be on the lookout for rock-throwing incidents victimizing motorists, usually perpetrated by street toughies or drug-crazed youths, he said. Kristine Felisse Mangunay