Task Force Pantalan formed to address port congestion

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and local government units (LGUs) of Caloocan, Navotas, Malabon and Manila created on Saturday a special task force to address the port congestion causing heavy traffic in the metro.

In an emergency meeting, the state agencies and LGUs formed Task Force Pantalan, to be headed by NCRPO Chief Superintendent Allen Bantolo.

In an effort to manage the heavy traffic plaguing Metro Manila, a portion of NLEX will be closed to allow buses and private vehicles to counterflow toward Camachile and Monumento. DPWH Sec. Rogelio Singson said the Philippine Ports Authority should have two stations processing documents of inbound trucks as two truck lanes will be implemented along Road 10 and in Navotas.

MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino said shuttle buses will also be available to take stranded passengers.

On Friday, the NLEX turned into a virtual parking lot as commuters and motorists were trapped in a massive traffic jam from Meycauayan, Bulacan to Balintawak in Caloocan City.