NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Body Cams Now In Use For NCAP, Aiding MMDA's New Traffic Group
Photo credit: MMDA
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is rolling out a new tactic to support its No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP): equipping a new group of traffic enforcers with body-worn cameras.
The initiative is part of the MMDA's ongoing efforts to use modern technology to enforce traffic rules and regulations. The body cams are being used by the newly-formed Swift Traffic Action Group (STAG), a unit specifically created to minimize direct interactions and potential arguments between motorists and enforcers.
According to MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes, the body cameras are a key part of these NCAP innovations. The initial phase will focus on major Metro Manila roads and designated Mabuhay Lanes. Eventually, coverage will expand once a ban on street parking is approved.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has voiced his support for the NCAP, stressing that it promotes road safety, discipline, and helps to fight corruption.
How the New System Works
The STAG team, led by Traffic Operations Officer IV Edison "Bong" Nebrija, will be using body cameras that are linked in real-time to the MMDA's Communications and Command Center.
To ensure transparency, STAG will be using a buddy system. One enforcer will wear the body camera, while their partner will issue and record the notice of violation. If a driver is present, the notice will be handed to them directly. If not, it will be placed on the vehicle’s windshield.
All STAG personnel have undergone extensive training on the proper use of the devices, data privacy protocols, and standard operating procedures. After each operation, the cameras are returned to a docking station where all the footage is uploaded to the command center. Each recorded apprehension is then manually reviewed by NCAP personnel.
The first wave of anti-illegal parking operations will be spearheaded by the STAG. The Special Operations Group – Task Force for Road Clearing (SOG-TFRC), led by Traffic Operations Officer III Gabriel Go, will follow up a week later to ensure sustained compliance and to conduct further clearing operations, including towing if needed.
Chairman Artes clarified that there's no overlap between the two groups: STAG focuses on the no-contact apprehension via body cameras, while SOG-TFRC handles the physical clearing of illegally parked vehicles.
Since the beginning of the initiative, a total of 65,918 violations have been captured through the NCAP, with 36,255 of them already validated.
The initiative is part of the MMDA's ongoing efforts to use modern technology to enforce traffic rules and regulations. The body cams are being used by the newly-formed Swift Traffic Action Group (STAG), a unit specifically created to minimize direct interactions and potential arguments between motorists and enforcers.
According to MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes, the body cameras are a key part of these NCAP innovations. The initial phase will focus on major Metro Manila roads and designated Mabuhay Lanes. Eventually, coverage will expand once a ban on street parking is approved.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has voiced his support for the NCAP, stressing that it promotes road safety, discipline, and helps to fight corruption.
How the New System Works
The STAG team, led by Traffic Operations Officer IV Edison "Bong" Nebrija, will be using body cameras that are linked in real-time to the MMDA's Communications and Command Center.
To ensure transparency, STAG will be using a buddy system. One enforcer will wear the body camera, while their partner will issue and record the notice of violation. If a driver is present, the notice will be handed to them directly. If not, it will be placed on the vehicle’s windshield.
All STAG personnel have undergone extensive training on the proper use of the devices, data privacy protocols, and standard operating procedures. After each operation, the cameras are returned to a docking station where all the footage is uploaded to the command center. Each recorded apprehension is then manually reviewed by NCAP personnel.
The first wave of anti-illegal parking operations will be spearheaded by the STAG. The Special Operations Group – Task Force for Road Clearing (SOG-TFRC), led by Traffic Operations Officer III Gabriel Go, will follow up a week later to ensure sustained compliance and to conduct further clearing operations, including towing if needed.
Chairman Artes clarified that there's no overlap between the two groups: STAG focuses on the no-contact apprehension via body cameras, while SOG-TFRC handles the physical clearing of illegally parked vehicles.
Since the beginning of the initiative, a total of 65,918 violations have been captured through the NCAP, with 36,255 of them already validated.
Sep 10, 2025
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