MMDA warns former traffic cops

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) yesterday warned former members of its defunct Traffic Enforcement Group (TEG) against continued exercise of their terminated functions as the agency’s traffic policemen.

MMDA legal department chief Emmanuel de Castro said administrative and criminal charges will be filed against violators.

He advised former TEG operatives to immediately surrender the traffic violation receipts , vehicles, and other equipment issued to them.

MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando terminated last month a memorandum of agreement between the agency and the Philippine National Police (PNP), which created the TEG in 1995.

Citing a Metro Manila Council resolution, he dissolved the unit apparently because it was inefficient.

Despite the dissolution, some former TEG policemen continued to discharge traffic enforcement functions.

He said he has sent former TEG chief, Superintendent Melchor Ramos demanding the return of traffic citation ticket booklets, vehicles, and other MMDA materials and equipment issued to them within seven days.

According to him, the items included handheld radios, cellular phones and other equipment.

De Castro said appropriate charges await those who fail to follow his directive. — Michael Punongbayan