Over 170 HPG men deployed on EDSA

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) yesterday beefed up its presence along EDSA to help ease traffic congestion along Metro Manila’s major thoroughfare.

HPG director Brig. Gen. Eliseo Cruz said they deployed 171 police personnel, who will work with traffic enforcers of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to improve the flow of vehicles on EDSA.

Cruz said the deployment of additional policemen was in compliance with the directive of PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde to increase their presence along major roads in the metropolis.

There were fewer than a hundred HPG personnel on EDSA before Albayalde’s order.

Having a larger force along EDSA wil bring back discipline among motorists, according to Cruz.

While traffic jams on EDSA will still be persistent, Cruz said they would try their best to improve the flow of vehicles, especially during rush hour.     

With 20 patrol vehicles and 36 motorcycles at their disposal, police officers can easily respond to crimes and emergencies, Cruz said.

He said the presence of more policemen on EDSA would deter carjackers, guns-for-hire and other criminals.

Last March, Senior M/ Sgt. Solomon Cugay was shot dead by motorcycle-riding assailants along the southbound lane of EDSA in San Juan City.