Manila: The no contact apprehension policy (NCAP) currently enforced in the National Capital Region (NCR) will continue despite the postponement of the Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) rebuild project. In an interview over Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon at PTV, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Special Operations Group-Strike Force (SOG-SF) head Gabriel Go said the NCAP is not just a traffic alleviation measure, but an instrument used by the government to instill discipline in the country’s roads.
According to Philippines News Agency, Go emphasized that the NCAP has contributed to creating discipline and order on the streets, with records showing a gradual decrease in the number of violators. On May 26, the first day of reimplementation of the NCAP, the MMDA apprehended 1,112 errant motorists through the NCAP compared to 565 NCAP apprehensions on June 1. Go noted that more common violations, such as disregarding traffic signs and pedestrian crossings, have noticeably decreased.
Go explained that this trend is an indication of improving traffic conditions and respect for the law. Physical apprehensions will also continue, with many enforcers still deployed around NCR. He highlighted ongoing issues like motorists covering their license plates, which the MMDA is actively addressing.
Furthermore, the MMDA ensures that both NCAP and physical apprehensions are validated to avoid duplicate violations. However, it remains possible for motorists to be caught multiple times in a day if they commit different violations or the same violation in different locations.
In a separate press conference at the Land Transportation Office (LTO) headquarters in Quezon City, Go turned over documents containing images of motorists who intentionally covered, concealed, and tampered with their license plates to evade the NCAP. These documents involve more than 50 drivers who may face criminal charges for obscuring their license plates. Under Article II, Section 12 of Republic Act No. 11235 or the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act, purposely concealing a license plate is punishable with imprisonment ranging from six months and one day to two years, or a fine of not more than PHP10,000.
