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PNP-HPG impound 722 vehicles amid stepped up traffic rules enforcement

September 25, 2022 People's Tonight 1147 views

A TOTAL of 722 motor vehicles and motorcycles were impounded by agents of the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) from September 16-22 as a result of its intensified enforcement of the country’s traffic code, PNP chief, General Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr. said on Sunday.

The accomplishments of the PNP-HPG headed by Brigadier Gen. Clifford B. Gairanod got the nod of the top cop who congratulated the ‘Guardians of the Highways’ 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 weeklong period, 108 motor vehicles were impounded for violation of Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.

Another 614 motorcycles were also 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.

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

Otherwise known as the Marikina-Infanta Highway, Marilaque Highway is a scenic mountain 117.5-kilomer highway that connects Metro Manila with Rizal, Laguna and Infanta, Quezon. Gairanod said that he has ordered regular HPG patrols in the area to apprehend irresponsible motorcycle drivers.

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.

He added that he has also turned down requests 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.

The President, Vice-President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court are the only government officials allowed to attach the devices on their official vehicles.

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