81 riders owe Mandaue City P5T each for wearing bonnets

CEBU, Philippines — At least 81 motorcycle drivers were apprehended for wearing face masks and bonnets in Mandaue City yesterday, said Glenn Antigua, chief of operations of the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (TEAM).

In yesterday's press conference, Antigua said there were only 15 motorcycle drivers apprehended along M.C. Briones Street around 11:30 a.m.

The number of violators, however, rose to 81 as of 4:15 p.m., still for violating the same ordinance prohibiting face masks and bonnets.

"Highway kasagaran ang daghan", said Antigua, adding that police and barangay tanods are also authorized to apprehend violators.

The penalty for violating the city ordinance is P5,000 and will be imprisoned if the ticket issued will not be settled.

He said that among those apprehended in the morning were not from Mandaue City. A citation ticket was issued to these motorcycle riders.

Also yesterday, Antigua presented the different kinds of helmets in a press conference.

Based on the national law, the bicycle and skateboard helmets (Shang Yang brand) are the unprescribed ones if one drives a motorcycle. Hard hats intended for a construction site is also not allowed, according to Antigua.

Motorcycle riders found wearing the unprescribed helmets will face a penalty of P500.

The Mandaue City ordinance requires the use of clear helmets and prohibits tinted helmets.

Antigua reminds motorcycle riders using tinted helmets to raise the tinted visor when passing by the city for facial recognition.

"Importante ma-klaro gyud ang nawng. Okay ra mag shades. Wala nay problema ang shades," Antigua said.

At least 220 traffic enforcers have been deployed in the city to strictly enforce the ordinance. These traffic enforcers will work in two shifts.

He added that barangay tanods and traffic police can apprehend those who will violate the given ordinance.

Citizen's arrest is also allowed, said Antigua.

"Pwede i-citizen's arrest. Kuhaon nimo ang tawo, ipaadto sa TEAM. Kung moikyas, picturan ang plate number or kuhaon ang plate number," Antigua said.

If one violator will escape from being apprehended, Antigua said the assigned traffic enforcer will communicate through radio to inform another traffic enforcer about the violator's direction.

Antigua shared the information drive they've conducted last week was effective because they flagged down those who use face masks and that most of the motorcycle riders obeyed the city's ordinance.

"Wala mi maglisod sa implementation kay mahug ra nga daily routine," he added. (FREEMAN)