More cops off to Camarines Sur to help ease traffic chaos

MANILA, Philippines — Police have been deployed for traffic duties along Rolando Andaya Highway in Camarines Sur where hundreds of vehicles – mostly trucks and buses – got stalled for hours due to ongoing repairs on a long stretch of the highway that threatens to collapse after being battered by heavy rains and floods weeks ago.

Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, public information officer of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said they have sent personnel from the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) to the Rolando Andaya Highway to help manage the flow of traffic.

“Our HPG is helping manage and control traffic flow in that part of Bicol,” Fajardo said over dzBB radio.

Motorists and commuters have been dealing with heavy traffic along the highway for days, many of them having to wait for five to eight hours before being able to move past the gridlock.

Bicol police director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon has urged travelers to avoid the highway and use alternate routes.

The monstrous traffic jam had delayed dozens of trips to Bicol, according to the management of the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX).

PITX spokesman Jason Salvador said PITX and partners were preparing to deploy additional buses if necessary and if given special permits by the Land Transportation
Franchising and Regulatory Board. On Thursday alone, 62 out of 113 bus trips were delayed. Due to late turnaround, 10 more trips were delayed on Friday, he said.

Travelers interviewed by media said many of them had to wait for hours inside their stalled vehicles without food or drinking water. Some said they had to cancel their holiday activities in anticipation of worse to come.

In a text message, Dizon said he deployed 131 police officers to the highway to manage the flow of vehicles and maintain order. The traffic jam stretches five to seven kilometers on each lane of the highway.

Fajardo urged motorists and travelers caught in traffic or needing to go to the area to exercise patience. They should also bring enough food and water for the long haul. “Let’s avoid road rage,” she said.

In a report, the Camarines Sur Provincial Police Office said its personnel, together with their counterparts from the Provincial Mobile Force Company and the HPG, have been working round the clock to manage traffic and prevent counterflow that could worsen congestion.

With measures currently being implemented by various government agencies, traffic is starting to ease, according to the provincial police.

In Sitio Mauca in Barangay Colacling, Lupi town in Camarines Sur, traffic was already moving with a 30-minute interval scheme in place.

In Barangay Cabutagan also in Lupi, heading toward Ragay/Manila, vehicles can pass with a stop-and-go scheme every 30 minutes, allowing both southbound and northbound traffic to flow.

Police personnel are providing security and assistance to Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) trucks transporting materials for road rehabilitation.

For alternate route, all light vehicles are directed to take the Sipocot-Camarines Norte route or the Sta. Elena-Capalonga, Daet, Camarines Norte route going to or from Manila.

The Land Transportation Office in Bicol has also deployed enforcers to help manage traffic. Exacerbating the situation were uneven roads and undisciplined drivers.

‘Working tirelessly’

In a Facebook post, DPWH Bicol Region Office said they are “working tirelessly to ensure progress on the installation of sheet piles in Lupi, Camarines Sur.”

The DPWH regional office said it hopes to make the two lanes of the highway passable to vehicles by Christmas.

“Surfacing materials for the two-lane traffic are now underway at affected sections of K0331+000 LS, Brgy. Bulawan, Lupi, Camarines Sur,” it noted. The agency assured the public that efforts in Barangay Cabutagan will continue “through the night as we push forward with this improvement.”

“Rest assured, DPWH-Bicol remains committed to restoring safe and efficient roadways for all motorists,” it added.

The highway was damaged by heavy rains that hit Camarines Sur earlier. “We understand and acknowledge the inconvenience caused by the heavy traffic currently being experienced in Barangay Cabutagan, Lupi, Camarines Sur. This situation has arisen due to road slips and ongoing road reblocking activities in the affected areas,” the DPWH said in a statement, adding that it has initiated “immediate remedial actions.”

These include steel sheet pile driving and backfilling to accommodate a two-lane traffic flow as well as temporarily halting all ongoing work activities in Lupi road stretch.

“We assure everyone that these actions are being prioritized to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. We are working round-the-clock to ensure that these measures are implemented efficiently and effectively,” the department said.

The DPWH has also asked for “patience and cooperation” as it encouraged the public to “remain cautious while traveling in the area and to follow traffic advisories for your safety.”

To speed up repair works, DPWH Regional Director Virgilio Eduarte has ordered the reinforcement of manpower and equipment.