PNP warns politicians vs using ‘wang-wang’ during campaign sorties

Director General Oscar Albayalde, PNP chief. (File photo by NOY MORCOSO / INQUIRER.net)

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Albayalde on Tuesday warned political parties and election candidates against using sirens, blinkers, and other similar devices while holding campaign sorties.

Albayalde said he has directed the PNP Highway Patrol Group to strictly enforce the provisions of Presidential Decree No. 96 on the use of sirens and similar devices, amid “persistent reports” of violations by convoys and motorcades in campaign rallies for the midterm polls.

“We are moving forcefully against the indiscriminate use of prohibited sirens, bells, horns, whistles, and similar gadgets that produce staggering sounds, as well as illegal domelights, signaling or flashing devices,” he said in a statement.

Under the Presidential Decree, sirens and blinkers can only be used in vehicles designated for official use of members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Bureau of Investigation, Land Transportation Commission, PNP, Fire departments, and ambulances.

Violation of the decree may be penalized with cancelation or revocation of the certificate of registration of the vehicle involved, Albayalde said.

The PNP also reminded candidates and political parties to observe road safety protocols and courtesy when holding campaign motorcades and convoys along national highways and main thoroughfares to prevent accidents and inconveniece to other motorists.

The HPG, meanwhile, has advised organizers of large convoys in campaign rallies to coordinate their activities with the local government units and local offices of the PNP for appropriate assistance. /jpv

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