MMDA to deploy 1,400 enforcers for Undas break

MANILA, Philippines — At least 1,400 Metropolitan Manila Development Authority enforcers will be deployed during the Undas break, acting MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said yesterday.

In an interview over dzRH, Artes said that the MMDA will implement a “no leave, no absent” policy to ensure the presence of enforcers on the streets.

Undas refers to All Souls’ and Saints’ Days on Nov. 1 and 2, when people visit cemeteries to remember their departed loved ones.

With Oct. 30 declared a special non-working day for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, there would be a three-day weekend from Oct. 28 to 30.

Nov. 1 was declared a holiday and Nov. 2 is a special non-working day.

To enhance public safety and traffic management, Artes also said that there would be an extension of deployment hours until late at night.

He also emphasized that there will be stringent inspections at bus terminals, which will include random drug testing conducted in partnership with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Artes said that the measure is vital to ensure that drivers of public transportation vehicles are not under the influence of drugs.

The MMDA chairman stressed the need to improve the public transportation system to efficiently accommodate the influx of passengers during the holiday season.

Addressing traffic congestion, Artes mentioned that they are considering a request from bus operators to use EDSA.

He acknowledged the difficulties of managing buses and other public vehicles during the rush hour.

“We received a request from bus operators asking if they can go through EDSA. That is being studied but maybe only at night,” Artes said in English and Filipino.

He added that contingency plans – which include deploying personnel on the streets and at various cemeteries throughout Metro Manila – have been implemented.