HPG convoy caught using EDSA busway, enforcers ordered to halt operations

A Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) convoy was caught using the EDSA busway and allegedly ordered traffic enforcers to halt operations.

According to a report by Nico Waje on 24 Oras Weekend, the convoy, which included a white van and another vehicle, was traveling northbound on the Ortigas section of the EDSA busway.

As they approached enforcers from the Department of Transportation-Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (DOTr-SAICT), they attempted to exit the lane but were pulled over.

The DOTr-SAICT incident report stated that a high-ranking PNP-HPG official was among those in the convoy.

“Minumura pa nga yung enforcer na parang sinasabi na taga-traffic lang naman kayo eh,” DOTr-SAICT spokesperson Jonathan Gesmundo said.

(They even cursed at the enforcer, saying they were just traffic enforcers.)

In another video, an HPG member was heard requesting the enforcers to suspend operations.

“Dahil pinuputakti kayo sa social media, baka pwede nating pagbigyan muna na, sir. Nag re-request kasi si Chief PNP,” the HPG member said.

“Kung pwede. Wala rin kasi akong contact sa office ninyo. Request kasi ni Chief PNP na kung pwede pagbigyan na lang kasi nga nag cre-create ng kwan (traffic),” he added.

(Since you're being criticized on social media, maybe you could grant this request. Chief PNP is asking to allow this.)

Gesmundo added that while the HPG convoy was being issued a traffic violation ticket, another vehicle with PNP markings arrived, claiming that PNP Chief Police General Rommel Marbil had ordered the enforcers to stop operations.

The DOTr-SAICT clarified that the PNP had no authority to halt its enforcement operations, as the busway was a DOTr project, and only Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista could issue such directives.

Despite the alleged pressure, the HPG convoy was still issued a traffic ticket.

GMA Integrated News has reached out to Marbil and the PNP for comment but has yet to receive a response.

Earlier this week, an SUV with diplomatic plates from the US Embassy was also caught using the EDSA busway. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/DVM, GMA Integrated News