I’M referring to a number of ‘unidentified’ motorcycle escorts who continue to provide their service to VIPs in Metro Manila and the rest of the country without any identification marks that will make it easy for the public to recognize them.

Unlike Riders from the PNP Highway Patrol Group who wear prescribed reflectorized vests with the bold ‘HPG’ letters,’ there are still a number of motorcycle escorts with holstered guns that can be seen clad only in black jackets, blue pants and boots while escorting VIPs in the metropolis and its nearby provinces.

Add to their ranks a number of MMDA and motorcycle-borne traffic enforcers from different local government units in the metropolis and the rest of the country who also act as it they are ‘HPG Riders’ authorized to provide escort service.

Many of these unauthorized or ‘moonlighting’ motorcycle escorts provide their service, of course for a fee to VIPS and tourists arriving in the airport while others are engaged in the so-called KBL or ‘Kasal, Binyag at Libing’ service.

The sad thing here is that each time they wiggle in and out of traffic, even driving at red lights or going against the flow of traffic just to allow their VIPs to easily reach their destination, motorists stuck in heavy traffic always think they are ‘HPG’ personnel.

A friend recently narrated to me his personal experience with two motorcycle escorts whom he really thought were from the PNP-HPG. He said that while stuck in traffic along the very busy Ortigas Extension on his way to Makati, he heard loud sirens in the area and later saw from his rear view mirror the blinkers of two motorcycle escorts going against the flow of traffic.

It turned out that the two were escorting a private SUV. Before reaching the intersection, the two escorts who came from the opposite highway signaled him to give way as they enter his lane.

Although the traffic light was red, the two escorts signaled a civilian traffic enforcer to allow them to pass, unmindful of the danger they pose to other motorists in the area.

My friend was cursing at the two escorts whom he described as ‘HPG men’ complete with boots and black jackets.’ A check later showed that the two were not from the HPG but from a local government unit who masquerades as HPG escorts.

Thus, I am calling on my good friend, PNP chief, General Jun Azurin to order all police personnel including those from the Police Security and Protection Group to wear vests emblazoned with their unit’s name once they ride their motorcycles. The PNP must also require all motorcycle units from other police and LGU traffic enforcement units to do the same for easy identification.

PNP-HPG director, Brigadier Gen. Clifford Gairanod told me recently that he has ordered all his Riders to ensure that they will be wearing their ‘HPG vests’ each time they drive their Big Bikes so that the public can easily recognize them.

He said that those who will violate his instruction will be facing administrative charges that may cause their suspension. Brig. Gen. Gairanod, a member of PNP Academy Class 1993 said he issued the order as part of their internal discipline program.

“We should always wear our HPG vests while we enforce the law in the streets and go after erring law enforcers and motorists. There is no ifs and buts here,” said the official who also lamented the fact that in some cases, netizens have tagged some unauthorized and abusive motorcycle escorts as ‘HPG men’ although they are not from the unit.

This is the main reason why all motorcycle escorts should be easily recognizable once they are in the streets. The fact will remain that many traffic enforcers and guards from different provincial, city and municipal LGUs have been wearing boots, blue pants and with big belts complete with handcuffs and radios act as it they are ‘real HPG Riders’ once they are motorcycle-borne.

Some of these ‘HPG copycats’ have been caught in viral video providing escorts to their rich patrons and beating the red lights and making counter-flows while driving big bikes equipped with sirens and blinkers and with big HPG stickers to make it appear they are real ‘Guardians of the Highways’ when they are not.

These are the persons who are giving the PNP some bad image each time they break traffic rules and regulations just to impress their VIPs. It’s good that the PNP-HPG has stepped-up its crackdown on these abusive riders while going after those with ‘wang-wang’ personality or people who always think they can use sirens and blinkers at will.

From September 16-22 alone, I learned that the PNP-HPG impounded a total of 722 motor vehicles and motorcycles earning them congratulations from Gen. Azurin who lauded the unit for ensuring that motorists who are violating the traffic code and other rules and regulations will be apprehended to ensure the safety of the general public.

The PNP-HPG said that during the week-long period, a total of 108 motor vehicles were impounded for violation of Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code. Another 614 motorcycles were likewise impounded by different Regional Highway Patrol Units nationwide for violation of RA 4136 and other traffic ordinances enacted by local government units.

Brig. Gen. Gairanod said that among those accosted by his men were drivers of motor vehicles with unauthorized HPG logo/stickers in their windshields; two drivers with illegal horns; 119 for using blinkers/illegal lights; and 37 motorbike drivers with modified mufflers.

The PNP-HPG director said that during the period, his men also recovered six stolen motor vehicles and two stolen motorcycles and arrested nine suspects involved in motor vehicle theft.

The official said he has also ordered a stepped-up enforcement of RA 4136 in busy highways in the country including the Marilaque Road in Rizal province which has been a regular scene of accidents involving so-called ‘Kamote Riders’ performing dangerous motorcycle stunts in the area.

At the same time, Brig. Gen. Gairanod said he has instructed his men to go all-out in their effort to apprehend unauthorized users of sirens and blinkers. He said that since last August 8, they have already apprehended a number of civilian law enforcers found using sirens and blinkers on their motorcycles while providing unauthorized escort service to their patrons.

Brig. Gen. Gairanod told me he has also turned down request from some local government units and agencies to allow them to use the gadgets since they are not covered by the law. Under Presidential Decree 96, only marked vehicles of the Presidential Security Group, the PNP, the Armed Forces, fire trucks and hospital ambulances are allowed to use sirens and blinkers.

So this is my advice to the public: the next time you spot an abusive motorcycle escort without an ‘HPG vest,’ take their pictures specially the plate number of their big bikes. Believe me, these escorts are not from the HPG.