Crackdown vs illegal parking, traffic bottlenecks pushed

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is seeking stronger coordination with local government units (LGUs) and traffic authorities to clear road obstructions that delay police, ambulance, and fire-rescue operations across Metro Manila.

NCRPO chief Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano directed the five regional police districts to review access routes surrounding hospitals, transport terminals, commercial centers, and other high-density areas alongside city officials, emergency responders and traffic management offices.

The assessment aims to identify chronically congested thoroughfares, evaluate emergency vehicle access, and implement measures to reduce response times during fires, medical crises and crime scenes.

“Every minute matters during an emergency,” Abrahano said.

“A blocked road can delay an ambulance carrying a patient, prevent firefighters from reaching a burning structure, or hinder police officers responding to a crime. We must work with our local government and traffic partners to keep critical access routes passable,” he added.

Under the directive, police units will support municipal traffic enforcement within their authority and assist in managing congestion around critical bottlenecks.