MANILA, Philippines — The Highway Patrol Group (HPG) will deploy 250 more police officers along EDSA to beef up the government’s campaign against criminals.
Col. Oliver Tanseco, who heads the HPG’s National Capital Region (NCR) field office, said more police officers will start manning EDSA on Nov. 8. They will also help the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in facilitating traffic along the highway.
“We will be ready to respond to street crimes that may occur,” he said in a phone interview.
President Duterte earlier directed the Philippine National Police to train more police officers in using motorcycles to catch motorcycle-riding killers and robbers.
The HPG previously deployed 50 motorcycle-riding police officers on EDSA as a deterrent to criminals.
With more personnel on the road, Tanseco said criminals would have second thoughts.
Aside from EDSA, the HPG will also monitor adjacent roads to help local government units ease traffic.
To ensure motorists are safe even at night, Tanseco said they will maintain a sizable contingent at night to conduct routine patrols.