MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced Thursday that the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) will be deploying additional personnel to local checkpoints to reinforce traffic rule enforcement, following a road rage and shooting incident in Antipolo City that left one motorcycle rider dead on March 30.
PNP-HPG spokesperson Lt. Nadame Malang stated that two to four HPG personnel will be stationed at each of the 86 provincial highway patrol teams nationwide to support local checkpoint operations.
“We will give the best effort and the prior deployments para masamahan yung ating mga checkpoints ng ating mga local,” Malang explained in a media interview at Camp Crame.
In total, 736 HPG personnel will be assigned to reinforce areas identified as “hotspots” during the summer vacation period, with a focus on ensuring safety amid the expected surge in travelers.
PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil also ordered the HPG to conduct random checks not only on motorcycles but also on four-wheel vehicles. He stressed that the road rage incident in Antipolo highlights the importance of vigilant checkpoint operations in maintaining public safety.
Marbil urged gun owners to practice patience and restraint, particularly in tense situations, emphasizing that anger should never dictate one’s actions, especially when carrying a firearm. He further proposed a lifetime ban for violators of the election gun ban, stating that whether or not it is the election period, responsible firearm ownership must always be upheld to prevent senseless violence.