By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan | Philippine News Agency
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday committed to helping manage road congestion and keep motorists safe as traffic restrictions and security measures are implemented for the ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.
PNP Chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the PNP’s Highway Patrol Group (HPG) will assist the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in enforcing traffic rules and helping motorists affected by congestion, alongside its security duties at summit venues.
“We will do our part to help ease traffic congestion and delays during the ASEAN Summit through the strict implementation of traffic management protocols.
We ask for the patience and understanding of the public as we implement all the necessary measures to ensure that our country’s hosting of this significant international event will be successful — and something that every Filipino would be proud of.”
He also urged motorists to plan their trips ahead, monitor traffic conditions, and prepare for possible rerouting during the summit. He also reminded them to follow traffic rules and cooperate with authorities to prevent road incidents.
The MMDA said there would be no road closures during the event.
However, a security exclusion zone would be implemented within the perimeter of the Philippine International Convention Center, while a stop-and-go scheme would be enforced along designated routes from Nov. 15 to 18.
PGen. Nartatez explained that the PNP’s traffic assistance is intended to help keep roads orderly and ensure that motorists can navigate affected areas safely while summit-related security and traffic measures are in effect.
This is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., through the guidance of Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to ensure public safety and the orderly flow of traffic during the country’s hosting of the top-level meetings.
Coordinated efforts
Meanwhile, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Acting Chief PBGen. Christopher Abrahano ordered the deployment of police assistance teams along major roads and affected intersections amid ASEAN traffic adjustments.
With designated bus lanes temporarily converted into ASEAN lanes for the exclusive passage of official vehicles and delegations, and road closures and rerouting schemes being implemented around the PICC and Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, Abrahano directed all five police districts to ensure that motorists and commuters are properly guided and assisted.
The five districts covered by the NCRPO are the Manila Police District, Quezon City Police District, Northern Police District, Southern Police District, and Eastern Police District.
Police assistance posts will be established along affected routes, with personnel working closely with the MMDA and local traffic management offices to manage vehicle flow, guide motorists toward alternative routes, and help prevent unnecessary traffic buildup.
Additional personnel will be deployed during peak hours to address commuter concerns and respond immediately to road accidents, stalled vehicles, and other roadside emergencies.
“Our police officers must be visible not only to secure the routes for our delegates but also to help the thousands of Filipinos who use these roads every day. We understand that traffic adjustments can cause inconvenience, but our personnel must be ready to guide, assist, and respond to the needs of the public,” PBGen. Abrahano said in a separate statement.
He also reminded all deployed personnel to remain courteous, patient, and professional in dealing with motorists, commuters, and other road users, stressing that the temporary traffic measures must be implemented without compromising public service.
PBGen. Abrahano likewise urged the public to plan their trips ahead, familiarize themselves with announced road closures and alternative routes, allow additional travel time, and follow instructions from authorized traffic personnel.
“The success of our ASEAN security preparations should not be measured by the safety of our delegates alone. It must also be reflected in how well we serve our own people amid these adjustments. We will ensure that our policemen are on the ground, ready to assist and make travel across Metro Manila as orderly and manageable as possible,” he added.
