6,476 found to be illegally riding as motorbike-passengers —Eleazar

As of Saturday, 6,476 motorists were found to be riding as motorcycle passengers despite not being authorized to do so, according to Joint Task Force COVID Shield commander Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar.

Speaking on Dobol B sa News TV on Sunday, Eleazar said they monitored at least 14,700 motorists across the country.

“Out of these po, 14,156 itong walang barrier. Only 615 yung nakapag-install ng barrier. ‘Yung walang barrier na 14,000, around 60 percent or 7,680 or almost 8,000 ay sila po ‘yung authorized,” he said.

“Merong 6,476 around 40 percent, hindi sila authorized,” he added.

The government already allowed back riding for live-in partners, and even for LGBTQ couples since July 10 amid the threat of COVID-19 spread.

However, their vehicles should have a barrier between the driver and back rider as recommended by authorities to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The deadline for installing motorcycle back-riding barriers was extended to July 26. — DVM, GMA News