The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has formed a new team equipped with body cameras to address road obstructions, illegal parking, and other traffic violators in the metropolis.
MMDA chairman Romando Artes tapped the agency’s Traffic Education Division Chief, Edison Nebrija Jr., to lead the new team, called the Swift Traffic Action Group (STAG), which consists of 100 personnel
Artes said STAG was created to strengthen the implementation of the No-Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP), which was re-implemented after the Supreme Court lifted its temporary restraining order on the enforcement along major thoroughfares under the MMDA’s jurisdiction.
The NCAP is a policy that utilizes CCTV, digital cameras, and/or other technologies to capture videos and images to apprehend vehicles violating traffic rules and regulations.
Artes stated that the initiative was part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to adopt modern technologies that allow for the strict enforcement of traffic rules and regulations.
The scheme also aimed to minimize direct interaction and potential arguments between motorists and traffic enforcers during road clearing operations.
“The use of body-worn cameras is part of the innovations for the NCAP. It will initially cover key Metro Manila thoroughfares and designated Mabuhay Lanes. Eventually, we will expand the coverage once the ban on street parking in Metro Manila is approved,” said Artes.
The Mabuhay Lanes encompass the cities of Mandaluyong, San Juan, Makati, Manila, and Quezon, as well as secondary roads leading to shopping hubs in Metro Manila, including Baclaran in Parañaque, Greenhills in San Juan, and Divisoria, and Carriedo in Manila.
President Marcos has expressed support for the NCAP being implemented by the MMDA, emphasizing that the policy promotes road safety and discipline and helps combat corruption.
Artes cited MMDA Resolution No. 16-01, Series of 2016, which permits the use of digital cameras, CCTV, and/or other new technologies in enforcing traffic policies, such as the NCAP.
The body cameras are linked to the MMDA Communications and Command Center to ensure real-time monitoring and documentation of on-ground operations.
To ensure transparency and accuracy, the MMDA STAG implements a buddy system during road-clearing operations. Under this setup, the assigned traffic enforcer will wear the body camera serving as the camera coder, while his/her partner issues and records the notice of violation.
“All STAG personnel have undergone comprehensive training on the proper use of the devices, adherence to data privacy protocols, and compliance with standard operating procedures to ensure lawful and ethical use,” Artes said.
The first wave of anti-illegal parking operations will be spearheaded by the STAG.
After a week, the area will be reassessed by the Special Operations Group – Task Force for Road Clearing (SOG-TFRC), led by Traffic Operations Officer III Gabriel Go, to ensure sustained compliance and to implement further clearing operations as necessary.
Artes clarified that there will be no overlapping of functions between the two groups. STAG focuses on no-contact apprehension using body cameras, while SOG-TFRC is equipped with tow trucks for the physical clearing of illegally parked vehicles, which includes towing, if necessary.
If a driver is present, the notice of violation will be handed directly to them. If the vehicle is unattended, the notice will be placed on its windshield.
At the end of every STAG operation, according to the MMDA chief, all body cameras are returned to their designated docking stations, where high-definition footage is uploaded to the MMDA Communications and Command Center. All recorded apprehensions will be subjected to manual review by NCAP personnel.
As of Sept. 8, a total of 65,918 violations have been captured through the NCAP, with 36,255 already validated.
