Move over PNP-HPG; MMDA back as lead agency on EDsa traffic

The PNP-HPG is pulling out of Edsa although it will be leaving behind a skeletal force of around 30 to assist MMDA traffic constables. —NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

More than a year after its designation as the lead agency in managing traffic on Edsa, the Philippine National Police’s Highway Patrol Group (HPG) on Monday relinquished the responsibility to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

MMDA traffic engineering head Neomie Recio made the announcement in Monday’s flag-raising ceremony by borrowing a quote from the agency’s former chair Bayani Fernando.

Fernando, now a congressman, had said that the MMDA was the agency best equipped to handle traffic since it has the “capability, people, experience and know-how.”

“What is needed is dedication to our jobs. We must all make sacrifices so we can help ease traffic congestion,” Recio told employees of the agency which also marked its 41st founding anniversary on Monday.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the HPG was returning the authority to manage traffic flow on Edsa to the MMDA because it had done its job of helping “move” traffic on the busy thoroughfare.

The HPG was ordered by the Aquino administration in September 2015 to help restore order on Edsa after traffic congestion worsened, and in preparation for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit held later that year.

HPG to keep 30 men on Edsa

The DOTr, however, clarified that the HPG would “not totally pull out” of Edsa as it would retain a skeletal force of at least 30 officers to help out the MMDA’s traffic constables. Currently, the MMDA has 329 enforcers on Edsa and is looking at deploying an additional 181.

PNP-HPG spokesperson Supt. Beth Velasquez said that the over 300 personnel who would be pulled out from Edsa would now focus on C5 Road and Commonwealth Avenue.

Recio, meanwhile, said that they were looking at removing some of the concrete delineators installed by the Department of Public Works and Highways on some roads. Over the weekend, the MMDA dismantled several steel barriers in Quezon City to allow vehicles to move more freely.