113 modified mufflers destroyed

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Sta. Barbara Police Station in Iloilo destroyed 113 open-pipe mufflers on Aug 20, 2020 as part of the local government’s campaign against noisy motorcycles.

The local police obliterated the noisy accessories after getting the nod of Mayor Rema Somo.

Major Raymond Celoso, Sta. Barbara police chief, said the destruction of unauthorized mufflers sends a strong message that the PNP is serious in its implementation of laws and ordinances.

The use of modified mufflers is prohibited by Municipal Ordinance No. 72 series of 2019.

The ordinance provides that “No motor vehicle with altered, modified or tampered mufflers which emit loud and obnoxious noise shall pass the municipal streets, barangay roads, national highways and provincial roads located within the poblacion area or populated areas within the municipality.”

Several residents have also complained of irritating noise caused by mufflers, especially during nighttime.

Elderly people have aired complaints that they couldn’t sleep well through the night because of passing motorcycle with annoying sounds.

Meanwhile, Somo lauded the Santa Barbara PNP for its commitment in the implementation of ordinances and for keeping the town peaceful and orderly.