BAGUIO CITY – The Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) vowed to sustain its crackdown against motorists using loud mufflers to minimize noise pollution in the city.
“The campaign against loud mufflers and other traffic violations will continue as BCPO remains steadfast in promoting responsible road use and ensuring a safer environment for residents and visitors alike,” BCPO Director Police Col. Ruel Tagel said in a phone interview Friday.
He said that use of loud mufflers is prohibited under Land Transportation Office Memorandum Circular (LTO MC) 2020-2240, which sets revised guidelines on the "apprehension of motor vehicles with excessively loud mufflers and unauthorized modified exhaust systems.”
BCPO records showed a total of 124 violators were apprehended – 44 for loud mufflers and 80 for unauthorized modifications – from June 12 to 14.
A P5,000 fine is meted on violators, according to the LTO's MC.
Numerous tarpaulins have been conspicuously displayed in city road sides as part of the information campaign to inform the public of the prohibition for such vehicles with loud mufflers.
“We have Oplan DRIVE (Discipline, Respect, Infrastructure, Vigilance, and Education) as an awareness campaign before the operation was conducted,” he said.
Police issued advisories on social media reminding motorists of existing regulations and corresponding penalties for non-compliance.
Police Major Marcy Grace Marron, BCPO information officer, said they conducted consultations with the LTO, motorcycle shop owners, and motorcycle rider groups to promote cooperation, clarify regulations, and encourage voluntary compliance with vehicle standards.
In support of the memorandum circular, the city council approved on first reading the proposed an ordinance seeking to repeal Ordinance 487-1968 and enact the Baguio City Muffler and Vehicular Noise Compliance Ordinance of 2026 to strengthen regulation against vehicular noise, align local policies with Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, and impose updated penalties and enforcement measures for violators.
Ordinance 487-1968, enacted 58 years ago, carries the penalty of warning for the first offense, a fine of P50 for the second offense, and P100 for the third offense. (PNA)