Car plate violators reach 644 — NAKTF

The number of violators of the "no plate, no travel" policy of the National Anti-Kidnapping Task Force (NAKTF) reached 644 yesterday during the second day of the implementation of drive.

Reports reaching the office of NAKTF chief Angelo Reyes Jr. showed that motorists were accosted in various checkpoints and chokepoints established around the metropolis. On the first day of the drive, operatives of NAKTF, the PNP Traffic Management Group and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) caught 289 violators.

Yesterday, 260 vehicles did not have license plates; 62 vehicles were pulled over for expired commemorative plates; 59 others were caught with utilized improvised plates; 234 were warned for other traffic violations; and 29 vehicles were impounded.

Reyes noted that one motorist faces charges after he disregarded traffic personnel who flagged him down at the corner of EDSA and Ortigas for driving a Mercedez Benz without plates. His vehicle was also impounded, the report said.

When apprehended, lawmen found out that the motorist had an expired driver’s license and delinquent registration papers.

Reyes said NAKTF will continue to strictly enforce the "no plate, no travel" policy in Metro Manila as part of their campaign to prevent kidnapping and other crimes.

Top police officials welcomed the NAKTF’s move, saying the number of apprehensions shows that the drive has become an effective deterrent to the commission of high-profile and street crimes in the metropolis.

PNP chief Director General Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. reiterated an order to the TMG and local traffic offices to continue with the strict implementation of the new policy.

Reyes urged the public to respect the rule of law by simply obeying the traffic laws and the "no plate, no travel" drive of NAKTF.