HPG gets help from SAF, eyes manning EDSA 24/7

After working extended hours on Tuesday night with the widespread traffic gridlock caused by floods on EDSA and on other roads, the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group is considering manning the main highway round-the-clock seven days a week.

Superintendent Oliver Tanseco, the chief of the PNP-HPG, told GMA News TV's Balitanghali that the HPG's team of traffic policemen has been beefed up with 20 police commandos from the elite Special Action Force.

As it stands, Tanseco said an additional shift has already been added to the timetable from the initial two-shift duty that goes from 5:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.

“Baka sakaling mag-24/7 na, pero maga-adjust pa tayo depende sa magiging traffic condition in the days to come,” Tanseco said in a telephone interview.

Despite the hassle brought by the bumper-to-bumper traffic that lasted for several hours and left motorists and commuters stranded last night, Tanseco took pride in the effort put forth by the PNP-HPG personnel manning EDSA.

“Once the roads are passable, ang bilis naman. Hindi kami natulog. 'Yung excitement ng pulis habang nagta-traffic, kakaiba. 'Yung mga pulis ko, kahit nasa ulan, sige pa rin. Sana ma-appreciate 'yun ng mga motorista," Tanseco said.

Despite the initial success of easing traffic congestion in most parts of EDSA since their takeover on Monday, the HPG spokesman admitted that the unit was still a long way to go in ensuring a long-term improvement in Metro Manila's traffic situation.

Aside from patience on the part of motorists, Tanseco also called to the public to follow traffic rules and regulations so as to avoid more problems.

“We will continue to do our best," Tanseco said.

The Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (HPG) started to lead the enforcement of traffic riles along EDSA on Monday, manning six major chokepoints to ease congestion. —Bianca Rose Dabu/NB, GMA News