The Philippine National Police (PNP) has deployed personnel to assist with traffic management and security as a major rehabilitation project on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) gets underway.

Acting PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Friday that the police force is coordinating with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to mitigate congestion along Metro Manila’s main thoroughfare.

Rehabilitation work, which includes concrete reblocking and asphalt overlaying, began at 11 p.m. Wednesday. Significant traffic build-up was reported by Thursday as the project affected sections of the highway, which carries hundreds of thousands of vehicles daily.

“We expect heavy traffic, and we are ready to assist in terms of manpower for traffic management and other peace and order-related concerns,” Nartatez said.

He cited that visible police presence could help prevent incidents of road rage among frustrated motorists.

While the MMDA and local government units are leading traffic enforcement, the PNP’s Highway Patrol Group and territorial units will serve as augmentation forces. These teams will be positioned along EDSA and identified alternative routes.

The PNP has also placed rapid deployment teams on standby to quickly clear road accidents or vehicle breakdowns that could further paralyze traffic.

To monitor the situation, police officials said they will utilize closed-circuit television cameras and traffic sensors to provide real-time updates.

Nartatez encouraged motorists to check official PNP and MMDA social media channels for advisories and to plan travel around the DPWH work schedule.