PNP chief orders crackdown on siren, blinker users

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Albayalde yesterday ordered a crackdown on politicians using blinkers, sirens and other emergency devices in their campaign sorties for the 2019 midterm elections.

He directed the Highway Patrol Group to strictly enforce the provisions of Presidential Decree 96 that prohibits the use of sirens, blinkers, horns and other gadgets to get through road traffic ahead of other motorists.

The police chief issued the directive after receiving reports that some convoys and motorcades of political parties have such devices installed on their vehicles.

“We are moving forcefully against the indiscriminate use of prohibited sirens, bells, horns, whistles or similar gadgets that produce staggering sounds; as well as illegal dome lights, signaling or flashing devices,” Albayalde said in a statement.

Under PD 96, he pointed out, sirens and blinkers can only be used on motor vehicles for official use of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Bureau of Investigation, Land Transportation Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, other similar agencies and hospital ambulances.

Violation of the order will result in the revocation or cancellation of a vehicle’s certificate of registration.

Albayalde also reminded candidates to observe road safety protocols and courtesy when holding campaign motorcades and convoys to prevent accidents and unnecessary inconvenience to other motorists.

He advised organizers of these convoys and motorcades to coordinate their activities with the police and local government units for appropriate assistance.