HPG-Nueva Ecija team leader Major Lester Zafra gives away red roses with information materials to commuters. Photo by Armand Galang
CABANATUAN CITY – Instead of issuing citation tickets, uniformed personnel of the Philippine National Police’s Highway Patrol Group went on an unconventional on Monday – giving away flowers and balloons to motorists and residents in celebration of Valentine’s Day.
Headed by provincial team leader Major Lester Zafra, the policemen flagged down both private and public utility vehicles, including tricycles, passing through a section of Maharlika Highway in this city to the sheer delight of motorists on this say for lovers.
Aside from the red roses and balloons, the usual tokens for the day, the HPG personnel also gave away leaflets on public safety and health protocols to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
It was not the first time the HPG-NE covered the street for non-traditional activities.
In December, Zafra led the distribution of food packs to drivers of passenger jeeps and tricycle who lost income due to quarantine restrictions amid government’s battle against the pandemic.
They had also given away a number of helmets to drivers fouynd to have a scarcity in resources to buy such protective gears.
In all instances though, the HPG-NE took the opportunity to educate the public, particularly drivers, on the importance of obeying the laws both for their convenience and safety.
“Gusto nating gumaan-gaan ang sitwasyon para sa kanila pero hindi tayo tumitigil sa law enforcement,” Zafra said.
