HPG goes after ‘wangwang’ users, even politicians

The Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (HPG) on Friday announced a crackdown on the unauthorized use of sirens by motorists, including politicians.

Chief Supt. Arnel Escobal, HPG director, reiterated that under Presidential Decree No. 96, only the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, Land Transportation Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, and ambulances are allowed to use sirens.

“Even politicians are not exempted because they are not authorized under PD 96,” he said. “If there are politicos still using sirens, we will apprehend them.”

Violators may be reported to the HPG through its 7444-474 text hotline. —JAYMEE T. GAMIL AND LAWRENCE LLACER