PNP-HPG Destroys 7.1K Sirens, Illegal Vehicle Accessories

The Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) on Wednesday, May 22, destroyed 7,130 illegal sirens, blinkers, and other banned vehicle accessories seized during the nationwide 'kontra wang-wang' (anti-siren) operations.

HPG Director, Brig. Gen. Roberto Fajardo, said a road roller was used to crush the wang-wang, blinkers, commemorative plates, motorcycle mufflers, LED and fog lights, and horns at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Fajardo said PNP Chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde, has directed the HPG to strictly enforce Presidential Decree (PD) 96, which prohibits the "use of siren, bell, horn, whistle, or other similar gadgets that produce exceptionally loud or startling sound, including dome lights, blinkers, and other similar signaling or flashing devices."

"The illegal attachments, such as LED lights, blinkers, can distract other motorists and can cause accidents. The moment they put (those) attachment(s) on their vehicle (they become) illegal," Fajardo explained.

He said violators of PD 96 will be fined PHP5,000 for the first offense and his/her vehicle's certificate of registration will be cancelled or revoked.

Under the law, the use of attached gadgets is allowed only for motor vehicles designated for official use by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Bureau of Investigation, Land Transportation Office, police departments, fire departments, and hospital ambulances.

Fajardo called on the public to report to the authorities any vehicle found to be using the prohibited car and motorbike accessories.