National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar D. Albayalde has ordered the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) to strictly enforce the ban on the use of sirens and blinkers following reports of rampant abuse by candidates running in the midterm elections.
PNP Spokesman Senior Supt. Bernard Banac said that Albayalde reminded the HPG to implement the prohibition on the use of sirens, blinkers and other devices by individuals and groups, other than those who are authorized under the existing law to use them.
“Acting on persistent reports of violations by convoys and motorcades of political parties and candidates for the 2019 midterm elections, the chief PNP said he has put to task the PNP Highway Patrol Group to strictly enforce the provisions of Presidential Decree [PD] 96,” said Banac.
The law prohibits the “use of siren, bell, horn, whistle, or other similar gadgets that produce exceptionally loud or startling sound, including dome lights, blinkers, and other similar signaling or flashing devices.”
“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 his order.
Banac said that PD 96 mandated that sirens and blinkers can only be used on motor vehicles designated for official use of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Bureau of Investigation, Land Transportation Office, police departments, fire departments and hospital ambulances.
Violation of the law would result to the cancellation or revocation of the certificate of registration of the vehicle involved.
At the same time, Albayalde reminded political parties and their candidates to observe road safety protocol and courtesy when holding campaign motorcades and convoys along national highways and main thoroughfares to prevent accidents and unnecessary inconvenience to other motorists.
The PNP advised organizers of large convoys and motorcades to coordinate their activities with local government units and local PNP offices for appropriate assistance.