(Courtesy of Philippine National Police)
The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Friday, Dec. 26, that it will deploy additional personnel on EDSA to help manage traffic and maintain cool heads during ongoing rehabilitation works at one of the country's major thoroughfares.
Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, acting PNP chief, said the deployment aims to reduce the adverse impact of the roadworks on motorists and commuters.
“We expect heavy traffic and we are ready to assist in terms of manpower for traffic management and other peace and order-related concerns, including road rage that could be prevented with the visible presence of our personnel,” Nartatez said.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has started concrete reblocking and asphalt overlaying along EDSA. These works are expected to cause traffic congestion as hundreds of thousands of vehicles pass through the major thoroughfare daily.
While the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and local government units (LGUs) will also deploy traffic personnel, Nartatez said PNP territorial units and the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) will provide additional support.
He said they will be stationed at strategic points along EDSA and alternative routes.
Rapid deployment teams will also be on standby to respond to accidents, vehicle breakdowns, and other emergencies. The PNP will also use CCTV monitoring, traffic sensors, and traffic apps to track congestion.
According to the DPWH, concrete reblocking and asphalt overlay have started at 11 p.m. on December 24 and the following day, the effects on traffic became visible.
The DPWH has already released schedules of the rehabilitation works and the PNP is asking the motorists to plan their trips ahead.