MetroBriefs: Skyway, SLEx ready for influx of travelers

Operators of the Skyway System, South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) and Star Tollway are ready for the big number of motorists expected to leave Metro Manila for the Holy Week break. Skyway O&M Corp. (SOMCO), Manila Toll Expressway System Inc. (MATES) and Star Tollway Corp. (STC) said in a statement that they expected traffic to be at its heaviest on Holy Wednesday (March 23)  and Maundy Thursday (March 24).

For the return trip to Metro Manila, traffic will peak by Sunday (March 27) until early Monday (March 28). The toll road operators added that they implemented a “proactive operational plan on traffic, security, toll collection and motorist assistance” starting Friday last week to cater to motorists opting to travel during off-peak days.

The initiatives include the cooperation of government agencies like the Department of Public Works and Highways, Toll Regulatory Board, Land Transportation Office, Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and local government units.

Support facilities include Lifeline ambulances, Automobile Association of the Philippines towing trucks and quick response teams. The toll road operators said the aim was to provide prompt assistance to motorists in distress and deploy additional field personnel in areas where traffic was expected to build up.

Assistance centers will also be placed in strategic locations of the toll road to provide drinking and radiator water, towing services to the nearest exits and latrine facilities.

More toll collection personnel, including ambulant tellers, will also be deployed to speed up toll transactions especially in busy toll plazas, the statement said.

More electronic toll collection lanes have been opened, both on the Skyway System and SLEx, it added. At the same time, motorists were reminded to ensure that their vehicles’ cooling system, brakes and tires were functioning well and that they have enough fuel.

Motorists in need of assistance may call the hotlines of Skyway at 7767777 and 0917-5398762;  MATES at 0917- 6877539;  and STC 043-7567870 and 0917-5117827 to ask for help. They may also call the hotline of the South Tollways network at 3188655 or 318TOLL.  For traffic updates and information, visit the Skyway twitter account @SkywaySOMCO and SLEx account @OfficialSLEX.  Miguel R. Camus

Japanese tourist nabbed for grabbing cop’s gun

A JAPANESE tourist was arrested after he allegedly tried to get the firearm of a policewoman in Tondo, Manila, Sunday morning. The Manila Police District (MPD) identified the suspect as Yuhei Chiba, currently billeted at a hotel in Pasay City. The complainant, PO1 Anael Dawagan of the Abad Santos police station, said she was on a motorcycle when Chiba tried to grab her gun around 8 a.m. near Moriones Street in Tondo. Dawagan said she was on patrol with

PO1 Reyna Joey Ofalsa when Chiba appeared from behind and tried to get her firearm. The Japanese man, however, failed because he did not unlock the holster.  Dawagan then restrained the suspect and arrested him. She and her partner took him to the MPD General Assignment Section which handles criminal complaints involving foreigners.  Aie Balagtas See