PRO-6 warns vs illegal use of blinkers, sirens

ONLY certain vehicles can use blinkers and sirens.

The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) emphasized this point in reiterating the order of Philippine National Police chief, General Oscar Albayalde, on prohibitions on the use of sirens, blinkers and other similar devices.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, PRO-6 spokesperson, said police units all over the region were already advised to apprehend violators.

Malong said police units will coordinate with the Regional Highway Patrol Unit 6 (RPHU-6) to catch persons who would dare violate the law.

The PNP harped on the unauthorized use of sirens, blinkers, and other devices following complaints that some political parties and candidates for the 2019 midterm elections have been illegally issuing the gadgets to their convoys and motorcades.

Malong said policemen are to enforce the provisions of Presidential Decree No. 96 that declares the unlawful “use or attachment of sirens, bells, horns, whistles, or similar gadgets that emit exceptionally loud or startling sounds, including dome lights and other signaling or flashing devices on motor vehicles and providing certain exceptions therefor.”

Under PD 96, sirens and blinkers can only be used on motor vehicles designated for official use of the following agencies and offices: Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Bureau of Investigation, Land Transportation Commission, Police Departments, Fire Departments, and hospital ambulances.

Relatively, Malong said they would also enforce Republic Act No. 4136 or “Land Transportation and Traffic Code.”

In Western Visayas, Malong said there are motorcades that use unauthorized devices just to catch attention.

She said that there are some exemptions but these are usually done with prior coordination.

Malong cited events like the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and the                Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summits where the said devices were used in lead cars to secure delegates.

Further, the PRO-6 also reminded political candidates against road anarchy.

“Corresponding safety protocol and safety should still be observed when doing campaign motorcades and convoys along national highways and main thoroughfares to avoid accidents and putting other road users to unnecessary inconvenience,” Malong said.