MANILA, Philippines — Following complaints from senators, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified its crackdown on motorists using blinkers and sirens or “wang-wang” to evade traffic rules.
PNP officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. yesterday ordered the Highway Patrol Group to step up its drive against vehicles mounted with sirens and blinkers.
Senators Joseph Victor Ejercito and Sherwin Gatchalian expressed dismay over the proliferation of convoys of vehicles passing through congested streets at high speeds and cutting of motorists and pedestrians with the use of the emergency devices.
PNP Directorate for Operations chief Maj. Gen. Valeriano de Leon reminded owners of private vehicles that they are not allowed to use sirens and blinkers, based on the provisions of Presidential Decree 96.
Under the law, the use of emergency devices is exclusive to motor vehicles designated for official use by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Bureau of Investigation, Land Transportation Office, Bureau of Fire Protection and the PNP as well as ambulances.
De Leon advised motorists to remove their sirens or face arrest and charges.
“Police will not allow any person to disregard the law,” he said.
Motorists who are caught using the emergency devices could face up to six months in prison.