‘No-contact apprehension’ now implemented along Roman Superhighway in Bataan

MANILA: Bataan Governor Albert Garcia, in partnership with the Metro Bataan Development Authority (MBDA), has officially implemented the No-Contact Apprehension Program (NCAP) along the Roman Superhighway to apprehend offending motorists and monitor adherence to traffic rules and regulations as the province encounters a surge of round-the-clock motorists traveling along the main road.

In a statement, Garcia said, “We officially launch this breakthrough, visionary program to assist our municipalities, cities, and their respective traffic enforcers in monitoring the observance of traffic rules and regulations and to apprehend reckless motorists that traverse within and through Bataan province.”

The 68-kilometer superhighway in Bataan has recently seen an influx of large vehicles transporting commodities and cargo within the province, nearby areas, and to the Freeport of Bataan, the Philippines’ largest and fastest growing freeport. As they deliver heavy cargo to the economic zone around the clock, these motorists tend to be notorious for overspeeding and for failing to observe lane markings.

“We are proud that our province is the host of the fastest growing freeport in the country. However, we cannot sacrifice the safety of Bataeños who share the road with traversing motorists. With the help of NCAP, we are provided with a layer of safety in ensuring that those who do not follow traffic rules in Bataan will be apprehended and educated to curb the presence of reckless drivers plying along our roads,” Garcia added.

The NCAP uses cameras with cutting-edge technology that can accurately capture the conduction sticker and plate number of offending vehicles through the Land Transportation Office’s information database. When the system detects a violation, it will be assessed and approved by the Bataan Traffic Adjudication Board (BTAB) before sending a Notice of Violation (NOV) to the registered owner of the vehicle. This document will indicate the location and time when the violation was committed, as well as the fine that must be paid.

MBDA General Manager Christopher Pizzaro stated, “Contactless na po ang ating panghuhuli sa mga traffic violator ngayon. Wala na pong kinakailangan na makipagtalunan sa ating mga traffic enforcer kasi kamera na po na 24 oras ang paghuhuli ang ginagamit ng probinsya. Asahan niyo po na ‘pag hindi po sumunod sa batas trapiko, NOV po ang matatanggap (The apprehension of traffic violators is now contactless. There is no need to argue with the traffic enforcers anymore since the provincial government now uses a camera that can catch any violation for 24 hours. Expect that once a motorist violates a traffic rule, they will automatically receive an NOV).”

Bataan is the first province to implement the NCAP, which was previously only used in cities like Parañaque, Valenzuela, Manila, Cauayan, and, most recently, Quezon City. The implementation of the program is in accordance with Garcia’s goal of making Bataan a world-class province by integrating smart technology solutions.

“This is a program that Bataeños can be proud of. Your local government now implements this breakthrough technology to ensure that our citizens are safe regardless if they are the driver of the motor vehicle, a commuter, or pedestrian,” Garcia said. “Inaalagaan po namin kayo at isinisigurado po namin na ang mga irresponsableng mga nagmamaneho ay hindi makakalusot sa ating mga daan (We are concerned about your welfare and we guarantee that the irresponsible drivers will not be welcome to use our roads).”

Photos from Bataan Provincial Information Office

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