The Cotabato City Public Safety Office is eyeing at disallowing minors from driving motorcycles following an accident during a drag race that injured a 10-year-old boy. 

The boy was watching the race evening on March 19, 2024 when he was hit by one of the participants when the rider lost his balance when he tried to overtake another rider.

The boy sustained injuries in his hands and feet. He and the rider were taken to the hospital.

“Gagawa kami ng executive order na pagbabawalan na ang mga below 18 years old na mag-drive ng motor at susulat kami sa mga eskwelahan na huwag na payagan yung mga estudyante nila na mag-drive ng motor,” Public Safety Office chief Almendras Rinabor said.

The five minors involved in the drag race appeared before Mayor Bruce Matabalao. They will be made to render community service. 

The local government is also monitoring shops that modify motorcycles.

“Sila-sila lang yung nagyayayaan. Pag nakita namin yung shop ng mga motor na walang permit pa at ebidensya na nagmo-modify ay ipapa-close namin yung mga shop na yun,” Rinabor said.

The city government also ordered the police to be more visible in the streets to avoid similar incidents.

Under a city ordinance, minors are prohibited to roam around the city during curfew hours from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. the following day.

The local government urged motorcycle riders to refrain from organizing a drag race and for parents to monitor their children.

“Bukod sa nakakaperwisyo kayo sa ibang tao, yung sarili niyo pa ang unang unang mabibiktima. Yun ang gusto namin hilingin sa inyo na dapat tigilan na ‘yan. Sa mga magulang naman, dapat i-monitor ng maigi ang mga anak ninyo na may mga motor,” Rinabor said.