Sagay cops unveil ‘Muffler Christmas Tree’

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By Glazyl M. Jopson

In an effort to raise public awareness on the regulation of motor vehicles with modified mufflers, the Sagay City Police Station in Negros Occidental decorated its 15-foot Christmas tree with confiscated mufflers and fake driver’s licenses.

Police Lt. Col. Alvimar Flores, Sagay City police chief, said 250 mufflers and 100 fake licenses were featured during the Lights On Ceremony at the police station on Monday to usher in the Christmas season.

Flores said the items were seized from police checkpoints, traffic operations, and vehicular accidents over the past year.

The display is in line with City Ordinance No. 2015-002, or “An Ordinance Regulating the Operation of Motor Vehicles with Modified Mufflers within Sagay City,” which aims to minimize noise pollution and maintain road safety and order.

Under the ordinance, violators may be fined between PHP 500 and PHP 5,000, and their motorcycles may be confiscated.

Flores acknowledged that the number of confiscated items reflects the volume of violators but said the figures have begun to decline due to sustained public awareness efforts.

He believes the display is an effective way to educate the public.

Driven by his love for art, Flores envisioned a unique Christmas installation representing enforcement, education, and responsibility — a reminder that peace on the road begins with discipline.

“Instead of keeping the confiscated items at the police station and having them crushed, we decided to transform them into something new,” he said.

Flores added that the project also seeks to dispel rumors that seized mufflers are being reused.

“The display is simply meant to spread good vibes,” he said.

He thanked the city government, led by Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva, for its support and presence during the event.

Aside from the tree, lanterns made from driftwood collected along the seashores after last month’s typhoons were also displayed.

Each section of the police station also created its own Christmas décor for a friendly competition.

The winning section will receive PHP 10,000 in cash, to be awarded during their year-end fellowship on Dec. 18.