Fernando insists on arming MMDA men with bolos

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Bayani Fernando said Thursday he would push through with his plan to arm MMDA enforcers with jungle bolos despite strong opposition from several sectors including the police. Fernando, in an ambush interview during President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s visit to villages and police stations in Caloocan City, said he is not giving up the plan. He assured that he would coordinate closely with police for the smooth implementation of the plan. He said he would request police officials to come up with guidelines for arming MMDA enforcers. The National Police earlier said the plan is unnecessary considering the increased visibility of policemen on streets who could lend assistance to MMDA enforcers when necessary. Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita earlier said Fernando may have his reasons for coming up with the plan. He said Malacañang will not admonish the MMDA head for the highly criticized project. Meanwhile, Caloocan City Mayor Recom Echiverri defended Fernando's plan. He said the MMDA chief should be given a chance to test the effectiveness of the plan for at least a week. Fernando came up with the idea of arming MMDA men with bolos following complaints that some motorists are either not taking the agency’s enforcers seriously, or even threatening or harassing them when they make arrest for traffic violations. - GMANews.TV