The MMDA suspended yesterday the repair and rehabilitation of deteriorated portions of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) starting until Jan. 5 next year as the volume of vehicles on the thoroughfare and other major streets steadily increased with the approaching Christmas holidays.

MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando said the work stoppage on EDSA was ordered in order to allow motorists to maneuver more easily as traffic congestion is expected to be at its worst during this time of the year.

In Quezon City, at least 200 additional uniformed policemen will be fielded in shopping malls and in various parts of the city to ensure a peaceful and worry free celebration of Christmas.

The newly designated chief of the Quezon City Police Department (QCPD), Senior Supt. Magtanggol Gatdula, said the deployment is in response to the directive issued by Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr.

The police were instructed to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and the safety of commuters and shoppers in the various shopping areas, particularly EDSA and the Cubao area.

Fernando said the MMDA contractors have completed 66 percent of the rehabilitation and improvement works on EDSA.

Aside from work stoppage on EDSA, Fernando added that the MMDA will also suspend infrastructure works in Metro Manila from midnight tonight until Jan. 8 next year as a vehicular traffic control measure.

The MMDA also ordered the local building officials of the metropolis to strictly follow the MMDA guidelines on the issuance of permits for excavation and other such activitiess to contractors.

Fernando warned contractors of utility companies that their equipment would be confiscated and their construction and field personnel will be seized and arrested should they insist on resuming work on the restricted dates.

The MMDA chief said stubborn contractors will be fined R1,000 to R20,000 depending on the scale of work and severity of their infractions.

In Quezon City, Mayor Belmonte ordered the Parks and Development Administration Department to fast-track the installation and rehabilitation of street lighting in crime prone areas.

He also directed the police officials to expedite the acquisition of motor vehicles and equipment to address the crime situation in the city.

QCPD records indicated that various crimes averages 37 cases daily.

Police Chief Gatdula said one of his initial moves he will take is the deployment of more policemen in the field and the revitalization of the PNP’s "Pulis sa Barangay" program during the holiday season. (With Sel A. Baysa)