The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) warned the public about spreading misinformation concerning the re-implementation of the Non-Contact Apprehension Program (NCAP) that is circulating on social media.
The agency clarified on Thursday it did not issue a list of NCAP camera locations, emphasizing that the fake list which circulated on social media was not from the MMDA.
The MMDA urged the public, particularly motorists, to contact the agency’s Hotline 136 or send messages to its official Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages with any concerns about the policy.
NCAP is being implemented along Circumferential Roads, including Recto Avenue Mendoza Street, President Quirino Avenue, Araneta Avenue, Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), and C-5 Road (Carlos P. Garcia Avenue, Katipunan Avenue, and Tandang Sora Avenue).
The policy also covers Radial Roads like Roxas Boulevard, Taft Avenue, South Super Highway, Shaw Boulevard, Ortigas Avenue, Magsaysay Boulevard, Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon Avenue, A. Bonifacio Avenue, and Rizal Avenue.
The MMDA also denied a Facebook post claiming that there is a temporary suspension of NCAP for motorcycle ride-hailing services passing through the bicycle lane on EDSA.
“The bicycle lane is a project of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), which has the final say on this matter. The MMDA will not decide whether the bike lane is exclusive or shared,” it clarified.
The MMDA called on people to be more responsible when sharing posts on social media, especially on Facebook, where millions of users are active.
“It’s important not to just believe the messages or posts you receive on social media. Always verify the source of the information or check data from legitimate sources.”
The MMDA pointed out that spreading false information could induce panic and hinder the efforts of government agencies, local government units, and other stakeholders.
It also noted that spreading misinformation is punishable by imprisonment for six months and one day to six years.
Two weeks ago, the Supreme Court lifted its temporary restraining order on the implementation of NCAP along major thoroughfares under the MMDA’s jurisdiction.
MMDA Chairman Romando Artes highlighted the necessity of this technology (NCAP) for monitoring and enforcing traffic rules and regulations on Metro Manila roads.
NCAP employs closed-circuit television cameras to capture videos and images for apprehending vehicles that violate traffic laws. These violations are still subject to human verification.
With NCAP, the MMDA and local government units can effectively enforce traffic rules using advanced traffic management technology, including camera systems powered by computer vision artificial intelligence.