The Philippine National Police has started a nationwide crackdown against motorists using sirens and blinkers.
PNP Chief Ronald dela Rosa has ordered the Highway Patrol Group to conduct a nationwide crackdown in the wake of the unabated use of illegal use of sirens and blinkers by motorists. Dela Rosa said directed the HPG to especially focus on Metro Manila, where violations are rampant.
Dela Rosa reminded motorists that only police, fire and medical emergency vehicles are authorized by law to use emergency blinkers and sirens.
He also warned that motorists will be promptly arrested if they are found to be violating the law, citing Presidential Decree No. 96 that prohibits the “use of siren, bell, horn, whistle, or other similar gadgets that produce exceptionally loud or startling sound; dome lights, blinkers, and other similar signaling or flashing devices.”
He cited a case in Ligao, Albay, two days before Christmas Day in December last year when an incumbent Congressman, travelling with a convoy of vehicles with sirens and blinkers, which sped past a traffic accident site being investigated by the HPG and local police that led to the shooting of an HPG troopers by one of the congressman’s bodyguards.
The shooter has been arrested and subsequently detained without bail on murder charges.
So far, the HPG has confiscated some 3,000 worth of prohibited auto accessories which they later destroyed.
Dela Rosas’s warning came as he formally inducted some 1,500 members of motorcycle clubs to serve as volunteer road safety and security marshalls in simple rites in Camp Crame.
The Road Safety and Security Marshalls, organized by the Highway.
Patrol Group, will be utilized as volunteer force multipliers of the PNP in implementing the RA 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code of the Philippines and other pertinent laws governing land transportation.
The Marshalls will also serve as the eyes and ears of the PNP against criminal elements in the streets and highways, the chief PNP said.