New HPG chief to strip uniforms of erring traffic cops in public

The newly-installed chief of the Philippine National Police's Highway Patrol Group (HPG) on Monday warned that traffic policemen will be stripped of their uniforms if they are caught mulcting or mistreating motorists.

"'Pag napatunayan na talagang nangotong kayo o naging arogante sa motorista, pag naconfirm ko yan, huhubaran ko kayo ng uniporme sa harap ng nagku-complain o sa kalsada dahil hindi kayo karapatdapat magsuot ng ating uniporme," new HPG chief, Senior Superintendent Antonio Gardiola, told traffic policemen.

Gardiola made the remark during a simple program at the HPG headquarters graced by newly-installed Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa.

During the program, Gardiola also warned traffic policemen not to use their patrol vehicles in corrupt activities.

"'Wag na 'wag n'yong subukan na ang mobile ay gagamitin sa pang-o-orbit," he said, referring to the policemen's practice of roving around collecting protection money from establishments.

Gardiola said that he wanted to bring back the glory days of the HPG.

"We will bring back the glory of the Highway Patrol. Ibalik ang respeto sa ating kapulisan sa kalsada. Gusto ko ang tao ang lumalapit sa [pulis] hindi yung tumatakbo ang tao sa [pulis]. Ang bad habits ay tanggalin na bago maaksyunan nang masama," he said.

Satisfied

Dela Rosa, for his part, told the HPG men that they may be sent to assignemtns in far-flung provinces.

"Wag kayo maglokoloko para 'wag kayo maging pulis-Tawi tawi o -Jolo," he said.

The PNP chief, however, said he is "very satisfied" with how the HPG has been conducting themselves.

He vowed to stand by them if they will fulfill their duties and truly serve the public.

"Stand your ground, 'pag kayo ay binabastos ng mayayaman labanan n'yo. Magtrabaho lang nang magtrabaho, 'wag lang mag-abuso," he said.

Gardiola said he is planning recruit 100 more men to increase the HPG's capability to handle the traffic situation in Metro Manila.

"So far 200 ang initial namin. Dadagdagan ko pa 'yan para kaya nating masolusyunan ang problem areas sa EDSA lalo yung mga chokepoints , bottlenecks, lalo yung mga illegal terminals dy'an, yung mga loading at unloading," he said in an interview with reporters.

"Dagdagan ko pa ng 100, from the provinces, mga regions," he added.

During the time of former President Aquino, the management of traffic along EDSA was transferred from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to the HPG. —ALG, GMA News