PNP defends motorbike escorts for VIPs after rush-hour complaints

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. (Courtesy: Office of the Chief PNP)

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has defended the PNP-Highway Patrol Group (HPG) over its provision of motorcycle escorts to top government officials traveling in Metro Manila.

Nartatez said it is the police’s duty to provide escorts to key officials, including the President, Vice President, Chief Justice, Speaker of the House, and Senate President, when necessary.

“We’d be remiss not to provide motorcycle escorts to our President, Vice President, Chief Justice, Speaker and Senate President. If there is a need for motorcycle escorts, then we will provide escorts,” he said Monday in a press briefing.

His statement came after Sen. JV Ejercito, chair of the Senate public order and dangerous drugs committee, questioned the HPG during a recent hearing over reports that 20 to 30 VIP convoys were being escorted during rush hour.

Nartatez said the PNP and HPG coordinate with the Department of Transportation, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and local government traffic enforcers to manage VIP movements.

He added that established rules govern the deployment of motorcycle and security escorts, including the use of sirens and blinkers.

Ejercito earlier urged the HPG to refrain from contributing to traffic congestion in Metro Manila, criticizing what he described as the frequent use of police escorts for politicians and other VIPs.

He said such convoys disrupt traffic flow, particularly during peak hours, by clearing major roads to allow officials to pass through congested areas.

The senator noted that an estimated 20 to 30 VIP convoys traverse major thoroughfares during rush hour, further aggravating gridlock faced by ordinary motorists. — Vince Lopez