PNP-HPG targets illegal use of blinkers, flashing devices

The Special Operations Division of PNP-Highway Patrol Group conducted operations along EDSA Thursday afternoon against motorists illegally using blinkers, signaling, and flashing devices.

Police Col. Joel Casupanan, chief of Special Operations Division of PNP-Highway Patrol Group, said the operation is in line with Administrative Order No. 18 issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. prohibiting the use of sirens, blinkers, and other signaling or flashing devices by government officials and personnel.

It was signed last March 25, 2024.

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On Thursday's operation, the HPG personnel confiscated blinkers from private motorists.

Casupanan noted, however, that no such devices were confiscated from government officials and personnel.

A commemorative plate was also confiscated.

“Pinaigting natin yung pag-implement ng Presidential Decree 96 o yung paghuli sa mga motorista na unauthorized gumagamit ng mga blinkers, sirens at saka mga doom lights,” he said.

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Col. Casupanan said, these blinkers and sirens are risky to motorists as they create loud and exceptional sounds.

These also distract motorists, he added.

 “Para po mapangalagaan yung safety ng ibang motorista kung hindi naman po otorisado yung sasakyan, hindi siya nabibilang as a mobile cars, ambulance o mga fire trucks hindi po talaga siya pwedeng gumamit ng mga sirens at tsaka blinkers.

First-time violators will be issued with a receipt of confiscation.

Once apprehended again, a motorist will be charged for violation of Presidential Decree 96 with 6 months imprisonment and penalty of P600 and possible cancellation of the registration of the vehicle.

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Casupanan admitted that many motorists violated the law.

Last year, they confiscated around 7,000 sirens, blinkers, and other signaling or flashing devices nationwide, according to Col. Casupanan.

For the first quarter of this year around 2,000 were confiscated, he added.