Jauhn Etienne Villaruel

Article (news)

MMDA

Michael Delizo

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1757483434758G0dFTBsakAAn1Ua.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">MMDA Chair Romando Artes launches body cameras for the No Contact Apprehension Program (NCAP) via the newly-formed Swift Traffic Action Group (STAG) to improve enforcement and reduce arguments between motorists and traffic enforcers during road clearing operations. Michael Delizo, ABS-CBN News</span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday launched the use of body-worn cameras for the no-contact apprehension of illegal parking and other obstructions along major thoroughfares and Mabuhay Lanes in Metro Manila.</p><p>MMDA chairman Romando Artes said at least 22 body cameras were initially deployed, with the goal of rolling out 100 units to be used by the newly-formed Swift Traffic Action Group (STAG).</p><p>The system will function similarly to the no-contact apprehension of traffic violations, where motorists are notified via SMS, email, or through the “May Huli Ka” website within 24 hours.</p><p>The notice will include QR codes linking to video footage of the violation and a portal for filing complaints online.</p><p>STAG operatives, who patrol on motorcycles without tow trucks, will primarily document illegal parking and other obstructions. They will leave a notice of apprehension on the windshield of an illegally parked vehicle or hand it to the driver if present.</p><p>“As much as possible, less interaction. So, kung ayaw tanggapin ‘yong notice of violation, ilagay sa windshield. Kung ayaw pa rin, iwan na lang. Anyway, mano-notify din naman sila through text or email,” said Artes.</p><p>(As much as possible, we want less interaction. So if the motorist refuses to accept the notice of violation, just place it on the windshield. If they still refuse, just leave it. They will be notified anyway through text or email.)</p><p>Vehicles of violators caught through no-contact enforcement will not be towed or issued a citation ticket on the spot.</p><p>However, the Special Operations Group–Strike Force (SOG-SF), which is tasked with clearing road obstructions, may still tow vehicles if apprehended during its separate operations.</p><p>“Sisimulan muna natin sa major thoroughfares at sa Mabuhay Lanes. Pero paglabas po ng bagong guidelines regarding parking sa Metro Manila, kapag naipasa na po ‘yan ng Metro Manila Council, we can expand ‘yong operation,” Artes added.</p><p>(We will start with the major thoroughfares and the Mabuhay Lanes. But once the new parking guidelines for Metro Manila are issued and passed by the Metro Manila Council, we can expand the operations.)</p><p>The Metro Manila Council formed a Technical Working Group (TWG) in August to develop a unified “No Parking” policy for Metro Manila. It aims to finalize recommendations by September to address illegal street parking and ease traffic congestion.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>NEBRIJA RETURNS</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>The launch on Wednesday also marked the return of Edison “Bong” Nebrija to MMDA operations as head of STAG, following his suspension after a tiff with former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla over the EDSA busway issue.</p><p>MMDA suspended Nebrija as Task Force Special Operations Unit head in November 2023 after he erroneously reported that Revilla was apprehended for passing through the EDSA bus lane.</p><p>“So far, marami kaming na-apprehend. Dito kasi, bihira na ‘yong kawala eh dahil very swift, very silent,” Nebrija said during operations along Maginhawa Street in Quezon City.</p><p>(So far, we have apprehended many. Here, it’s rare for violators to escape because the process is very swift, very silent.)</p><p>“Walang towing, walang sidewalk clearing. Ang kailangan lang namin, kunan ang plate number and that’s it. So, mas marami kaming naa-apprehend in so short period of time,” he added.</p><p>(No towing, no sidewalk clearing. We only need to take the plate number and that’s it. That way, we can apprehend more violators in a short period of time.)</p><p>Artes said operatives underwent training on data privacy and proper conduct during operations.</p><p>Nebrija noted that the new policy helps avoid arguments, as operatives will simply take photos for evidence.</p><p>“Wala na ‘yong, ‘Ma’am, pahingi, peram ng lisensya niyo, ti-ticketan namin kayo.’ Wala na ‘yong ganon eh. Actually, wala na dapat kaming interaction. But we just want to explain it to them,” he said.</p><p>(There’s no more, ‘Ma’am, may I borrow your license, we’ll issue you a ticket.’ That’s gone. Actually, there should be no interaction anymore, but we just want to explain it to them.)</p><p>Nebrija said he felt blessed that his return coincided with rain.</p><p>“May nagtatanong sa akin kanina kung na-miss ko daw ‘yong kalsada eh. Ang tanong ko, na-miss niyo ba ako,” Nebrija said in jest.</p><p>(Someone asked me earlier if I missed the streets. My question is, did you miss me?)</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0l-r4UGwK-k?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>MMDA chairman Romando Artes said at least 22 body cameras were initially deployed, with the goal of rolling out 100 units to be used by the newly-formed Swift Traffic Action Group (STAG).</p>

MMDA chairman Romando Artes said at least 22 body cameras were initially deployed, with the goal of rolling out 100 units to be used by the newly-formed Swift Traffic Action Group (STAG).

MMDA rolls out body cams for no-contact illegal parking apprehension

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MMDA rolls out body cams for no-contact illegal parking apprehension

Michael Delizo,

ABS-CBN News

Published September 10, 2025 01:52 PM PHT

|

Updated September 10, 2025 07:48 PM PHT

Read More:

MMDA

no-contact apprehension

NCAP

Metro Manila

illegal parking

STAG

Bong Nebrija

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