Security preparations are set for the upcoming 35th anniversary of the Edsa People Power revolt on Feb. 25, a ranking police official said Tuesday.
National Capital Region Police Office chief Maj. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. has reminded police officers to maximize their presence and strictly implement minimum health standards and protocols during the event.
"Security preparations, coordinations and necessary deployments were set in place as the nation commemorates the unity of Filipino people who have shown the world of the true spirit of a 'non-violent demonstration'," Danao said.
Police are also instructed to activate security control points for the occasion.
He reminded police to carry "yantok" while patrolling to remind the public about physical distancing in places of convergence such as terminals, churches, malls, and markets.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group has agreed to continue its partnership and cooperation with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority in managing traffic in the metropolis.
On Monday, HPG director Brig. Gen. Alexander Tagum met with MMDA chairman Benjamin Abalos Jr. to discuss additional measure to further reduce traffic, not only along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, but also in other critical roads in Metro Manila.
Abalos thanked the HPG for its continuing support to the MMDA by providing additional 40 personnel to augment the lack of traffic enforcers on EDSA.
At present, 120 HPG personnel are assigned to man traffic along the major thoroughfare.
During the discussion, Abalos also approved the request of HPG to put up an office in front of Camp Crame for their operations.
The office will serve as a command center for MMDA traffic enforcers that need assistance when dealing with irate motorists flagged down for traffic violations.
“We hope to complete the construction of office under the Santolan flyover in four to five months,” said Abalos.
For his part, Tagum expressed gratitude for granting their request. He also expressed willingness to be deputized for a unified command and action regarding traffic management and control.
Both officials’ agreed that their continuing partnership shall not be limited only on EDSA but to all major thoroughfares in Metro Manila.
Recent study showed that NCR has the second-worst traffic situation in the world among 416 cities in 57 countries. It stated that drivers expecting to spend an average of 53 percent extra travel time being stuck in road congestion.
The MMDA presently has a total of 2,187 traffic enforcers manning the major thoroughfares in Metro Manila. Of the total number of traffic enforcers, 25 percent are senior citizens. With PNA