MMDA mobilizes mobile command center as exodus peaks

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has mobilized its rolling command center to better monitor the ongoing Holy Week exodus to the provinces.

 

MMDA traffic discipline unit head Yves Gonzalez said the new facility will allow them to check and respond to possible incidents in the metropolis.

 

"(It) enables us to have mobile monitoring anywhere in Metro Manila," Gonzalez said on his Twitter account.

 

He added the mobile monitoring center will have its own cameras.

 

A separate report on dzBB radio said this will prove handy in "blind spots" not covered by the MMDA's CCTV camera network in Metro Manila.

 

Photos uploaded by Gonzalez on his Twitter account showed the mobile command center is a van with interior-mounted CCTV and communications equipment.

 

It was initially stationed at the Araneta Bus Center in Cubao in Quezon City, and even impressed President Benigno Aquino III.

 

"OK to ah (This is cool)!" Gonzalez quoted Aquino as telling MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino when he saw the mobile monitoring center.

 

Gonzalez said the mobile monitoring center was to be deployed to Pasay City on Wednesday to keep watch over bus terminals there, and to Quiapo on Good Friday. 

 

On Tuesday, the MMDA has advised motorists to avoid parts of Pasig City and Quiapo in Manila during Holy Week, in anticipation of heavy traffic during traditional Lenten processions. –KG, GMA News