More than 50 motorcycles were impounded during the holiday season in General Santos City for using prohibited open pipe mufflers or bora-bora and other traffic violations.

The motorcycles were towed and impounded after riders were apprehended at a checkpoint manned by the Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU) of the General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO) in Barangay Lagao, an hour before the New Year.

Most of the motorcycles impounded were found with open pipe mufflers, which are often used to create loud noise during the New Year celebration.

However, the use of open pipe mufflers is prohibited under a city ordinance. This violation is among the targets of the operation, aside from other offenses outlined under the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.

“Yung campaign natin sa mga muffler no. Pino-focus-an din natin yan para ma-prevent natin ang dami ng reklamo regarding diyan so ito po ang ginagawa natin, generally as preventive measure ng General Santos Police Office,” TEU-GSCPO Chief, Lt. Col. Patrich Elma, said.

TEU data showed that from December 25 to December 31, 2025, up to 57 motorcycles were issued citation tickets and impounded.

Violation recorded included modified mufflers, expired vehicle registrations, absence of a driver’s license, reckless driving, and speed contest violations.

TEU said the penalty for a first offense is P500 with higher fines imposed for succeeding offenses.

Authorities said impounded motorcycle will be released once owners bring and reinstall their standard mufflers.

“Before i-release ang ilahang motor dapat nadala nila ang ilang standard na muffler and i-change nila didto pa lang. Kanang modified or katung open pipe, ibilin sa atung impounding,” TEU-GSCPO Deputy Chief, Capt. Lamberto Rabino Jr., said.