As motorists, all of us might have already encountered a traffic enforcer throughout our driving or motorcycle riding career, whether just merely asking for directions or being cited for a traffic violation. Although there are also female traffic enforcers employed by certain cities, we have yet to encounter a female trooper who rides her own 'hagad' – a motorcycle for patrolling the streets and for persuing erring motorists.
On Wednesday, August 4, the Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) deployed their special unit composed of all-female motorcycle riders to help ease the traffic congestion along the stretch of the Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA).
"The deployment of all-female HPG officers forms part of the PNP's gender equality initiative," said HPG Director, Brig. Gen. Eliseo Cruz. "Pulis man na lalaki o babae dapat makaka-responde sa anumang krimen [Regardless if you are a male or female cop, you should be able to respond to any crime incident]," Cruz told reporters during the launch of the first 20 of its HPG All-Women Patrollers/Traffic Supervisors’ Unit, along EDSA. They will be assigned on EDSA in two shifts, from 5 AM up to 3 PM and 3 PM up to 1 AM.
These women are no push-overs when it comes to riding motorcycles, as they form part of the 48 female cops who just finished their training on the very rigorous HPG motorcycle riding course which started last year.
“We are deploying all policewomen riders along the stretch of Edsa following the training of 48 policewomen of the Highway Patrol Group on Motorcycle Riding Course. So we will utilize what they learned especially now we are maximizing our presence in all major thoroughfares in Metro Manila even in other regions that's why need these trained policemen and policewomen on motorcycle course," HPG Director Cruz added.
Though these female hagads have yet to be deputized by the LTO, current deputized HPG personnel will be tag-teaming with them to issue citation tickets to those who are breaking traffic laws. They are even ready anytime to run after car thieves and other criminals if the situation calls for it.
If you are caught violating a traffic law by any of these female HPG officers, would you argue with them to contest your supposed traffic violation?
