Truckers group welcomes establishment of dedicated control points

The Alliance of Concerned Truck Owners and Organizations (ACTOO) on Wednesday welcomed the establishment of dedicated control points (DCPs) that will ensure the unhampered transport of cargo vehicles even with the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

"Natutuwa kaming marinig 'yung sinabi ni General [Guillermo] Eleazar. We are hoping na finally ma-correct na talaga 'yung practice sa kalsada," Rina Papa, ACTOO vice president, said during the Laging Handa virtual briefing.

She was referring to the announcement made by Joint Task COVID-19 Shield commander Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar, noting that a total of 115 DCPs have already been set up.

Manned by the Highway Patrol Group of the Philippine National Police, only the DCPs are allowed to check cargo vehicles which are free to pass by all the other 3,593 quarantine control points (QCPs).

"Prior to this memorandum, prior to this advisory, ang nagche-check sa truck magmula sa mayor hanggang sa barangay tanod, depende kung sino ang may kursonada," said Papa.

"Magandang balita ito. Ang hino-hope lang sana namin, merong isang orientation, may isang maliwanag na guideline na sinusunod 'yung ating mga DCP kasi malaking tulong ito para matupad natin 'yung unhampered and unimpeded delivery of cargoes," she added.

For his part, PNP-HPG director Police Brigadier General Eliseo Cruz said he is  in constant communication with his commanders as far as the rules in handling cargo vehicles go.

"I have already ordered my local commanders to continue monitoring the situation in their AORs (Areas of Responsibility) that include identification of more strategic areas where we could put up more DCPs," said Cruz. --KBK, GMA News