MMDA ‘yellow lane’ enforcers undergo self defense training

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday started training its enforcers on how to defend themselves using batons during violent encounters with motorists.

MMDA spokesperson Celine Pialago told Unang Balita that 30 lady enforcers, along with other personnel assigned to man EDSA's yellow lanes, are the first batch of trainees.

The traffic enforcers' self defense training started on Wednesday morning with mixes martial arts experts from the Philippine Tapado Kali Corporation.

Pialago said the training started after the MMDA received 200 batons.

She said traffic enforcers assigned on EDSA's yellow lanes will be the first to receive the batons.

The Traffic Emergency Response Team of the MMDA will also be issued with batons, she added.

"Ang objective ay magkaroon ng self defense knowledge sa mga violent motorists," Pialago said.

She said the traffic enforcers will also undergo psychological, mental and physical trainings.

She said the traffic enforcers will learn when and how to properly use the batons for self defense.

She said the MMDA is also eyeing the procurement of additional body cameras, which will be used to make sure the traffic enforcers will not violate rights of the motorists and to document apprehensions.

The MMDA earlier said its legal department is studying if its traffic personnel can be allowed to arrest violent motorists.

This came after an irate female motorcycle rider was caught on a viral video shouting at and attacking an MMDA constable after being apprehended for not wearing a helmet.

The agency said it will file criminal complaints against the female rider. —ALG, GMA News