Erap taps SWAT to solve traffic jams

MANILA, Philippines – Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada on Tuesday ordered the police Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit to solve the perennial traffic jams in the city caused by illegal vendors and undisciplined motorists.

After inspecting traffic along Recto Avenue, Estrada created the Task Force Organized Vending (TFOV) composed of SWAT officers and members of the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB), Manila Police District and more than 2,000 barangay volunteers.

The 450-member MTPB will be trained for the task and will comprise the main force of the discipline zones team.

Manila Barangay Bureau director Ver Eustaquio serves as TFOV operations head.

Eustaquio said they would coordinate with the MPD and SWAT in implementing Estrada’s directive.

Estrada ordered the TFOV to focus on the traffic congestion along Recto Avenue going to Divisoria, Blumentritt, Reina Regente, Soler, Abad Santos, Juan Luna, Antonio Rivera, Narra, Plaza Ruiz and Sta. Elena streets.

“Illegal vendors, unauthorized terminals of jeepneys, tricycles and pedicabs and illegally parked vehicles obstruct main roads in the city,” Eustaquio said.