PNP OIC Gamboa directs crackdown vs. sirens, blinkers, unauthorized motor escorts

Philippine National Police (PNP) officer-in-charge Police Lieutenant General Archie Francisco Gamboa has called for a stricter implementation of the existing prohibition on the use of sirens, blinkers and unauthorized motorcycle escorts for the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and the holiday season.

In a statement issued Friday, Gamboa said all PNP unit commanders should ensure strict enforcement of the provisions of Letter of Instruction (LOI) 34/10 or the "Action Plan Against Wang-Wang and Counter Flow" as well as the PNP Memorandum Circular No. 2017-049 or the "Policy on the Provision of the PNP Mobile and Motorcycle Security Coverage."

Gamboa said only patrol vehicles and motorcycles, SOCO and SWAT vehicles, rescue vehicles and ambulances of the police are allowed to use sirens, blinkers and other similar devices.

“We are imposing existing measures against the indiscriminate use of prohibited sirens, bells, horns, whistles or similar gadgets that produce staggering sounds and as well as motorcyle security escorts when traversing highways and major thoroughfares for personal advantage and easy passage,” Gamboa said.

Gamboa, however, said exemptions could be granted for fire trucks, ambulances and other rescue and emergency vehicles.

Gamboa said the PNP motorcycles and mobile cars are authorized for police patrol purposes and not during other occasions such as weddings, birthdays and funerals.

It is stated in the PNP Memorandum Circular No. 2017-049 that PNP mobile and motorcycle security would only be provided to the Philippines' President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and other authorized government officials.

Gamboa also ordered all unit commanders to deploy police and traffic personnel to provide immediate assistance for emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire trucks that are stuck in traffic along EDSA and other major roads. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News