PNP-HPG tapped to enforce metro traffic rules

AMORE stringent enforcement of traffic laws and regulations on Metro Manila roads and thoroughfares is forthcoming as the Department of Transportation and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) signed a commitment on Monday formally designating the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) as the enforcement arm of the DOTr.

Signed by Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade and Interior Secretary Eduardo M. Año, the commitment authorizes the PNP-HPG to enforce traffic rules and regulations within the National Capital Region and neighboring regions in full support of the operations of the InterAgency Council for Traffic (i-ACT).

Under the commitment, the PNPHPG will deploy 300 uniformed personnel (25 police commissioned officers and 275 police non-commissioned officers) for the National Capital Region and regional units that will provide logistical mobility support to strengthen the enforcement operations of i-ACT.

PNP-HPG shall also coordinate with the DOTr and its attached agencies, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), in ensuring the effective implementation of the agreement.

The commitment of the DILG, through the PNP-HPG, shall take effect immediately after the signing ceremony.

“Sabi ng ating Pangulo [As the President have said], ‘give the Filipino a comfortable life.’ Nandito tayo ngayon sapagkat sa ating panunumpa sa lengguwahe ng ating Pangulo, tayo ay magsisilbi sa Pilipino upang sa ganoon, ang kapwa Pilipino ay magkaroon ng [We are here today to fulfill the President’s commitment to provide Filipinos a] comfortable life. And we will inculcate that comfortable life through enforcement and discipline on the road, and through proper compliance of the law,” Tugade said in his speech.

The transportation chief added that the partnership between the DOTr and the PNP-HPG was borne by the idea of former HPG chief and current LTFRB board member Antonio Gardiola.

“’Nung bago pa si General Gardiola,

wala pang dalawang araw, sabi ko sa kanya, [Barely two days after his appointment, I told General Gardiola],

gusto ko ituloy mo ang partnership between PNP and the Department of Transportation. Gusto ko, paigtingin mo at bigyan ng lakas ’yung tinatawag na enforcement. [I would like to revive the partnership between the PNP and DOTr. I intend to boost the enforcement component.]”

In barely two weeks, “tinawagan ko si Secretary Año, sabi ko, ‘ kailangan ko kayo’ [I need you],” Tugade recounted.

Aside from its personnel, PNPHPG will be committing its logistical resources consisting of 24 mobile cars and 82 motorcycle units. For DOTr’s part, all personnel from the LTO, LTFRB, and the i-ACT secretariat, including all mobile cars and motorcycle units, will also be deployed.

“I am pleased to announce the signing of memorandum of agreement by and between the Philippine National Police, Department of Transportation, MMDA, Metro Manila Council, LTO, LTFRB and Coast Guard to further strengthen the enforcement capabilities of the Inter-Agency Council for traffic or i-ACT, through the support of the Department of the Interior and Local Government,” National Police chief Director General Oscar D. Albayalde said.

The DOTr will take the lead through the designation of a chief of i-ACT Task Force, who will be responsible for the deployment of PNP-HPG personnel and logistical support in their respective posts.

Furthermore, an Inter-Agency Technical Working Group shall be established within 30 days upon the effectivity of the commitment to draft the implementing guidelines.