MMDA ready to escort ambulances through traffic

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday expressed readiness to escort emergency vehicles, particularly ambulances, through heavy traffic in Metro Manila.

This is in response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s earlier remark, saying he would order the MMDA and the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) to escort ambulances after patients reportedly die due to traffic jams in Metro Manila.

READ: Patients die as Manila traffic jams block ambulances

In a statement, the MMDA said emergency vehicles could simply tap motorcycle-riding traffic enforcers to escort them in transporting patients to hospitals as soon as possible.

It added that its on-ground traffic enforcers can also assist ambulances through traffic, especially on congested roads or when motorists refuse to give way.

READ: Duterte wants MMDA, HPG escorts for ambulances

“Emergency vehicles whose passengers require urgent medical attention must be given priority and must be spared from being stuck in traffic,” the MMDA said. /je