The Philippine National Police on Wednesday said it has not logged a significant untoward incident during the Christmas Eve celebrations.
“Generally peaceful naman po nationwide as no significant untoward incident recorded po,” PNP spokesperson PBGen. Jean Fajardo told reporters when asked to give a police assessment.
On the other hand, PNP Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil commended the highway traffic officers for mitigating the severe traffic congestion along the Rolando Andaya Highway in Camarines Sur.
“Our police officers' commitment and hard work have brought significant relief to a situation that once saw traffic stretch over 17 kilometers. Without their efforts, the problem would have persisted,” Marbil said in a statement on Wednesday.
To recall, the PNP deployed additional personnel from the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) to manage traffic flow around the clock, especially during the holiday season.
Marbil said these police officers implemented ground measures such as the 30-minute interval scheme, allowing vehicles from opposing directions to pass alternately, “which has considerably reduced congestion.”
He also touted the thecops' efforts in securing Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) equipment essential for road rehabilitation efforts.
“Their presence has ensured the safe and timely delivery of materials, facilitating the swift progress of repair works aimed at restoring normal traffic conditions,” he added.
Marbil noted motorists are directed to take alternative paths, such as the Sipocot-Camarines Norte route or the Sta. Elena-Capalonga, Daet, Camarines Norte route, to bypass heavily congested areas.
“Our officers have demonstrated exceptional resourcefulness and dedication in addressing this challenge. Their 24-hour presence and efforts have made travel safer and more efficient for the public,” he said.
The PNP chief also encouraged motorists “to stay patient, follow traffic advisories, and use designated alternate routes to ease travel during this period.”