HPG chief, Brig. Gen. Alexander Tagum (File photo)
MANILA – The Philippine National Police - Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) on Thursday said it is has intensified anti-colorum operations to go after those involved in the illegal transport of people to and from the 'National Capital Region (NCR) Plus' area.
PNP-HPG chief, Brig. Gen. Alexander Tagum said he has immediately ordered HPG regional chiefs and highway patrol units in Calabarzon, Bicol Region, and in Metro Manila to tighten their watch, in the wake of the apprehension of a cargo truck that illegally transports people from Ragay, Camarines Sur to Tagkawayan, Quezon last April 3.
On April 4, HPG personnel in cooperation with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) apprehended 13 colorum vehicles -- 11 passenger vans and two cars for the same violation.
The following day, personnel from the Regional Highway Patrol Units (RHPU) in the National Capital Region apprehended another 11 passenger vans that attempted to transport unauthorized persons outside of residence to various destinations.
“Even before the video broke out in the news yesterday (Wednesday), our (regional chiefs) in Regions 4A and 5, in coordination with the LTFRB and other concerned agencies, were already actively addressing the incident to make sure that it will not happen again,” Tagum said.
The HPG said it also continues to work with the LTFRB, Land Transportation Office, and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority in preventing the unnecessary movement or transport of people to and from Metro Manila and the neighboring provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal.
The 'NCR Plus' is under ECQ until April 11. (PNA)
