MANILA - Travel time along EDSA has recorded a 28-minute decrease despite the heavy volume of vehicles this holiday season, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said.

MMDA said that they noticed a “substantial decrease” in travel time from Roxas Boulevard to Monumento and vice versa this year compared to last year, based on a comparative survey.

Travel time in the said route on Thursday, December 22 was recorded at 1 hour and 10 minutes compared to last year’s average of 1 hour and 39 minutes for the same date.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Director General Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa reminded police of the operational guidelines for “Ligtas Paskuhan 2016” which includes enhanced security operations before, during, and after Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Newly-appointed, Acting Director for Police Community Relations (DPCR) head, Chief Superintendent Noel Constantino also directed all police units to avoid “extra-curricular or insignificant activities” in their respective jurisdictions, but to remain police presence and ensure public safety.

"Police units in the field were advised to refrain from soliciting funds, but to undertake a simple, meaningful yet cost-effective observance of the Yuletide Season and give an opportunity for the PNP families to strengthen camaraderie while ensuring that duty officers are still on-guard in streets,” Constantino said.