Western Visayas leads in seized illegal blinkers

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Western Visayas has topped other regions in the Philippines in terms of the number of illegal blinkers confiscated.

Brigadier General Jack Wanky, Western Visayas police chief, reported that operations led by the PNP Highway Patrol Group resulted in the confiscation of 127 illegal blinkers and three sirens between February and May 14, 2024.

During a recent press conference at PNP national headquarters, Wanky noted that PRO-6 ranked first in the number of such apprehensions.

“Our operations continue up to today,” he said.

Nearly two months ago, Wanky pledged strict enforcement of President Marcos’ policy prohibiting government officials and personnel from using sirens or “wang-wang,” blinkers, and other similar signaling or flashing devices.

Administrative Order No. 18, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on March 25, exempts official vehicles of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Philippine National Police (PNP), as well as fire trucks, hospital ambulances, and other emergency vehicles.

However, Wanky emphasized that the order does not exempt policemen.

“The order is very clear: only marked police vehicles and ambulances should use sirens,” he explained.

Wanky has also issued warnings to police personnel against installing sirens or blinkers on private vehicles, even if used by officials.

“Policemen, like politicians, are no exception to this rule,” he added.