Three racing riders cited

CEBU, Philippines — Three motorcycle riders in their early twenties were issued citations for reckless driving after they were caught allegedly racing along Ouano Avenue at North Reclamation Area (NRA) in Mandaue City.

The three were apprehended at around 11 P.M. Thursday, September 17, during a joint operation involving the Philippine National Police (PNP), Traffic Enforcement and Management (TEAM), and the City Mayor’s Office-Safety Maintenance Area Response Team (CMO-SMART).

In an interview yesterday, CMO-SMART team leader Gerard Glenn “RD” Soon Gobalani said the operation followed surveillance conducted by the team after receiving information about motorcycles allegedly racing along the area.

Gobalani said his team established that motorcycle racing was taking place and determined where the riders were before coordinating with the PNP and TEAM for the apprehension.

According to Gobalani, the three riders were repeatedly passing through the stretch between the traffic light near S&R and the intersection near Bai Hotel.

They would then make a U-turn and travel back toward the S&R area, allowing them to repeatedly use the stretch for their motorcycle runs.

Gobalani said the riders admitted that they were the individuals seen racing when they were confronted by authorities.

The riders were subsequently issued citations for reckless driving.

Gobalani said the three had complete documents, including their licenses, which was why their motorcycles were not impounded during the operation.

He said the incident was particularly concerning because Ouano Avenue is a national highway with regular traffic even at night.

“Wala ra nila gi-endanger ang ilahang kaugalingon, ilang pang gi-amung ang uban,” Gobalani said, referring to the danger posed to other road users.

He said trucks, including flatbed and dump trucks, also pass through the area at night, making motorcycle racing along the highway more dangerous.

The three riders reportedly told authorities that it was their first time engaging in racing in the area. However, they said they had been racing in Cordova town, where they had also been apprehended for the same activity.

Gobalani said the riders also described the activity as more of a “friendly” run involving their motorcycles rather than a race involving betting.

The riders included individuals from Mandaue City and Lapu-Lapu City.

Gobalani said the latest apprehension is part of the city’s effort to monitor not only Ouano Avenue but also other national highways where similar activities may occur.

He said CMO-SMART personnel will continue conducting surveillance and coordinating with the PNP, TEAM, and the barangays, particularly in areas where reports of motorcycle racing are received.

Gobalani said an executive order signed by Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano on September 15 formally tasked CMO-SMART with overseeing such monitoring efforts and coordinating with the concerned agencies.

He said the citation issued to the three riders has also been reported to the Land Transportation Office.

Gobalani said the citation serves as a warning that authorities are now documenting and acting on reported racing incidents, rather than merely issuing verbal reminders.

He added that he has raised with the mayor the need for concerned agencies to meet and establish a clearer procedure for handling similar cases, especially if the activity continues.

The CMO-SMART team said motorists and establishments are encouraged to report suspected illegal racing activities to authorities, particularly when these occur on public roads where other motorists and pedestrians may be exposed to danger.

To recall, nearly 20 motorcycles were involved in the same activity last September 10 in Cansaga Bridge, Barangay Paknaan.