PNP-HPG starts apprehending motorcycle riders without barriers

The Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) on Saturday, Aug. 1, started apprehending motorcycle riders who had no barriers between driver and passenger.

On Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, several motorcycle riders were stopped by PNP-HPG personnel and given tickets when they were found to have no barriers, according to GMA News reporter Mai Bermudez.

Drivers and passengers found to be not married couples or live-in partners were also apprehended.

PNP-HPG director Police Brigadier General Eliseo Cruz said early Saturday they were ready to implement the government's directive for motorcycle riders.

"Naka-ready na po ang ating mga tauhan upang hulihin ang mga magka-angkas sa motorsiklo na walang barriers," he said in an interview on Dobol B sa News TV.

PBGen. Cruz: Naka-ready na po ang ating mga tauhan upang hulihin ang mga magkaangkas sa motorsiklo na walang barriers. https://t.co/Jl7zdrja0g

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) July 31, 2020

"Kapag may nakita tayong magka-angkas tapos walang barrier ay paparahin natin 'yan," he said.

Cruz also said the barrier should follow the designs approved by authorities and those made of carton are not allowed.

"Kapag hindi maganda ang materyales na ginamit sa barrier ay ipagbabawal din natin ito," he said.

Cruz explained that the approved designs have been studied to ensure motorcycle riders' safety.

A motorcycle rider and his back rider use an acrylic barrier in Tondo, Manila on Saturday, August 1, 2020. Police will start apprehending motorcycle riders without barriers starting August 1. Those caught without barriers will be charged with reckless driving with penalties ranging from P1,000 to P10,000 depending on the number of offenses committed. The safety barrier was required by authorities as a measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  Danny Pata

The National Task Force on COVID-19  approved the use of the proposed barrier designs of Bohol local  government and Angkas (backpack type) as these passed safety standards.

The PNP-HPG director said their personnel will be deployed in random areas.

"Random naman po 'yan. Hindi lahat ng lugar puwede nating lagyan," Cruz said.

Joint Task Force COVID Shield commander Police Lieutenant General Guillermo earlier said the deadline for the installation of barriers in motorcycles was already extended until July 31.

The national government has allowed back-riding on July 10 provided that there would be a barrier between the driver and the backrider, and that pillion riding is limited to married couples and partners living in the same residences.

The measures were part of the efforts to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. —KG, GMA News