DAVAO CITY – The provincial government of Cotabato has ordered the local government of Libungan to tighten monitoring against illegal drag racing on the national highway following a horrific accident last week.
SHIRLYN Macasarte-Villanueva (second from right) discusses with Mayor Angel Rose Cuan and other officials measures to stop illegal drag racing activities in Libungan, Cotabato. (Contributed photo)
Upon the directive of Gov. Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza, former Provincial Board Member Shirlyn Macasarte-Villanueva met local government officials of Libungan and representatives from the Cotabato Provincial Police Office and Land Transportation Office to discuss measures to stop illegal drag racing activities.
On Saturday, February 24, two persons were killed when a speeding modified motorcycle driven by 17-year old John Lloyd Calawigan bumped the rear end of a tricycle driven by Florante Villela with her wife Genevieve as passenger on the national highway in Barangay Sinawingan.
Both motorists were traveling toward the direction of Midsayap, Cotabato.
Calawigan died on the spot while Genevieve was declared dead in a nearby hospital due to the impact of the crash.
Florante is still fighting for his life in an intensive care unit of a hospital in this city.
MAP of Libungan, Cotabato
Macasarte, now a member of the Provincial Advisory Council, said there are now three police outposts from Barangays Ulamian to Batiocan.
She said the local government will amend an existing ordinance to impose stiffer penalties against individuals involved in illegal drag racing activities.
Authorities will intensify its campaign against modified motorcycles as well as implementing speed limits in the area, said Macasarte, who represented the governor.
A four-kilometer stretch of the Cotabato-Davao Road in Libungan has been a known illegal drag racing spot due to its flat and straight features.
Several residents in the area have expressed concern on social media on illegal drag racing activities for several months.
Some riders would start their drag racing activities just before sunrise as there are still few vehicles passing the highway. "These activities have been a nuisance in our place," a resident said.
He added that police have been monitoring these illegal drag racing activities. "But is like a cat and mouse game between the police and irresponsible motorists."
Libungan Mayor Angel Rose Cuan said they have prepared used tires last month to be used as barriers for police checkpoints in Barangays Batiocan and Sinawingan.
Cuan added that they are just awaiting approval from the Police Regional Office-12.
Macasarte appealed to parents in the locality to monitor the activities of their children, especially those with motorcycles.
“While the government is doing some interventions, it is also important for the parents to discipline their children as well as vigilance of the entire community could help resolve this recurring problem,” Macasarte said.
She appealed to residents to help the local government in addressing the issue to avoid further loss of lives.