Albayalde orders crackdown vs. illegal use of ‘wang-wang’

“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 domelights, signaling or flashing devices,” Albayalde said in a statement. (PNA file photo by Joey O. Razon)

MANILA — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Director General Oscar Albayalde on Tuesday ordered a crackdown on motorists who persist on illegally using blinkers and sirens more commonly known as ‘wang-wang’.

Albayalde said he has tasked the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) to strictly enforce the provisions of Presidential Decree 96 that prohibits “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.”

The move comes after reports of violations by convoys and motorcades of political parties and candidates for the 2019 mid-term elections.

“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 domelights, signaling or flashing devices,” Albayalde said in a statement.

Under the law, these gadgets or devices mentioned may be attached to and used only on motor vehicles designated for official use by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Bureau of Investigation, Land Transportation Office, Police Departments, Fire Departments, and hospital ambulances.

Violation of PD 96 may be penalized with cancellation or revocation of the certificate of registration of the motor vehicle involved.

At the same time, the PNP also reminded candidates and parties 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.

HPG advised organizers of large convoys and motorcades to coordinate their activities with local government units and local PNP offices for appropriate assistance.