Iloilo City Destroys 109 Illegal Motorcycle Mufflers

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By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Iloilo City government destroyed 109 confiscated illegal and modified motorcycle mufflers on Friday, May 16, as part of its ongoing crackdown on noise pollution and traffic ordinance violators.

Traffic Management Office (TTMO) head Uldarico Garbanzos said 85 mufflers were seized by their office, while 24 were turned over by the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO).

Most of the violations were recorded along the coastal roads of Jaro and La Paz, and in the Arevalo district.

Garbanzos said the TTMO typically conducts operations in the afternoons and evenings, while the ICPO carries out enforcement through routine checkpoints.

“This is a joint operation,” he said.

“The ICPO works through checkpoint operations, and the TTMO implements the ‘Lambat Sita’ initiative.”

“We also rely on informants to identify areas where modified mufflers are common,” he added.

Under the city’s amended Anti-Modified Muffler Ordinance No. 2023-071, motorcycle exhaust systems must not exceed 99 decibels, except for motorcycles with engines above 400 cubic centimeters.

Violators face fines ranging from PHP1,000 to PHP5,000, and non-compliant mufflers may be seized and destroyed.

The city uses eight decibel sound meters, equally distributed between the ICPO and the Iloilo City Traffic Management Unit (ICTMU).

“As long as individuals continue to violate our ordinance, we will persist in our operations,” Garbanzos said.

“If there are reports, we will act immediately.”

In May last year, the city destroyed 157 illegal mufflers.

Garbanzos said violations initially dropped after the destruction but surged again later in the year.

Mayor Jerry Treñas expressed support for traffic enforcers and announced plans to provide them with insurance coverage, quarterly medical checkups, and salary increases.

“That brought a big smile to my face, knowing the mayor recognizes our traffic enforcers’ efforts,” Garbanzos said.

“Our personnel work even during holidays and weekends.”