PNP vows to strictly enforce PBBM's order vs use of sirens, blinkers

Following President Marcos’ order banning unauthorized government workers from using sirens and blinkers, the Philippine National Police (PNP) vowed on Thursday, April 11, to intensify the crackdown against all motorists using the devices.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said that while they have been enforcing the Presidential Decree 96 even before, she said they will coordinate with other government agencies to further intensify the campaign against the illegal use of sirens and blinkers.

“We have to really coordinate with other government agencies, particularly here in the National Capital Region, for proper deployment. There will be no sacred cows in this campaign especially that Malacanang has already issued an administrative order regarding this,” said Fajardo.

Aside from deploying policemen along major thoroughfares and other roads, Fajardo said the PNP will also exercise its visitorial power especially on auto shops that sell sirens, blinkers and other similar devices.

“Included in our monitoring are those selling these devices online. Our ACG (Anti-Cybercrime Group) will be conducting cyberpatrolling on this matter,” said Fajardo.

Malacañang earlier issued Administrative Order 18 which reiterates the ban for all government officials and employees to use sirens, blinkers and other similar devices amid numerous complaints on its abuses.

Under Section 1 of the AO, all government officials and personnel are prohibited from utilizing sirens, blinkers, and other similar gadgets that produce exceptionally loud or startling sound, including dome lights, blinkers, or other similar signaling or flashing devices.

“Unauthorized and improper use of signaling or flashing devices by government officials and employees shall be dealt with in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations,” the AO read. 

Under Section 2, it stated that sirens, blinkers, and other similar devices shall not be used unless in clearly appropriate circumstances, and only by motor vehicles designated for official use by the AFP, NBI, and PNP, and fire trucks, hospital ambulances and other emergency vehicles.

“In this light, all government officials and personnel are hereby reminded that use of sirens, dome lights, blinkers, and other similar devices shall only be under exigent or emergency circumstances or situations or to ensure the expedient and safe passage of emergency responders,” it said.

Challenge

Fajardo admitted that the big challenge in intensifying the campaign is manpower, especially after office hours.

She said that while the coordination and interoperability among government agencies are assured within office hours, the PNP is left alone in the enforcement beyond the 5 p.m. 

“Hopefully, there will be an extension of working hours on the part of other agencies like the MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority) and the LGUs (local government units),” said Fajardo.

Continuous operations

The AO issued by the Palace was based on Presidential Decree 96 which prohibits the use of sirens, blinkers and other attachments to vehicles.

Last year, Fajardo said more than 7,000 sirens, blinkers and other similar devices were confiscated. 

From January to March this year, she said a total of 2,456 devices.

“Our operations will continue, we will follow the order from Malacañang in terms of the enforcement,;’ said Fajardo.