MMDA Reminds Players To Look Both Ways While Playing Pokemon GO

Undoubtedly aware of Pokemon GO's addictiveness, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is reminding local players to practice safe scouting. In particular, the MMDA took to Facebook to emphasize road safety, and of course, stress that players should look both ways before crossing any street.

While Pokemon GO is not officially available in the Philippines as of yet, plenty of users in restricted regions have bypassed the app's geolock by hacking their phones. As such, players all across the world have already started their quests to catch 'em all, and tons of good and bad things have come from the app's popularity. On the bright side, people are heading out and getting exercise as they track down the ever-elusive pokemon which may avoid their homes and workplaces. However, other players have become traumatized as they've gotten injured or even stumbled upon dead bodies whilst playing the real-time game.

Hoping to prevent pedestrian accidents, the MMDA posted its funny message to Facebook, reminding gamers to check streets before crossing and to use footbridges during their journey. The post also warns novice trainers of Pokemon's seedy underbelly: Team Rocket, or in this instance, thieves can definitely be a threat to gamers. The MMDA recommends players be vigilante of their surroundings and belongings so they won't get their pokeballs, potions, or even wallets pick-pocketed.

Currently, it's unclear when Pokemon GO will make its global debut as both Nintendo and Niantic, the app's developer, are holding off the release until they reassess the game's servers. Following the app's release in Australia, New Zealand, and the U.S., the game struggled to meet fans' demands as players would log-in to find Pokemon GO throwing server errors. As the app stands as one of the most downloaded in online stores, it seems as if Pokemon GO still has some kinks to fix when it comes to its overcrowding issue.

Still, Manila citizens are ready for whatever challenges Pokemon GO will bring them once the game goes global. And, in a hilariously comforting fashion, it looks like their hometown officials are just as ready to keep their eyes out for oblivious, accident-prone Pokemon masters.