HPG chief : No need to deploy additional traffic constables on Christmas Day

The commander of the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group assured the public Thursday that it has enough personnel to manage traffic along EDSA as motorists and commuters continue their exodus to the provinces for the holiday season.

In an interview on GMA News TV’s “News to Go,” PNP-HPG director Chief Supt. Arnold Gunnacao said there is no need to deploy additional traffic constables on the road even during Christmas Day.

“Nakalagay na sila (HPG personnel) sa kanilang mga designated posts ngayon. Hindi na kailangang bawasan o dagdagan ang tropa natin. Ang kailangan na lang talaga ay management ng mga sasakyan,” he said.

Gunnacao attributed the heavy traffic jams experienced by motorists this week to last-minute shopping sprees and holiday revelry.

“Lahat ng tao gustong lumabas ngayon. Marami ang gumagawa ng last-minute shopping,” he said.

According to a report aired on GMA News' Unang Balita, traffic along EDSA’s southbound lane was so heavy Wednesday night that some motorists were on the road until midnight.

Gunnacao earlier said the Christmas rush has resulted in a three-fold increase in the volume of vehicles passing through EDSA per hour.

Gunnacao said members of the HPG remain in close coordination with traffic enforcers from local government units, the Land Transportation Office and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to help ease the traffic jams along Edsa, particularly near provincial bus terminals.

“Katulong natin ang local traffic enforcers, at katulong rin natin ang LTO at LTFRB na nagma-manage doon sa mga terminals. Ang [trabaho] namin talaga ay sa main thoroughfares,” he said.