PNP to impose stricter guidelines vs illegal use of blinkers, sirens

Sirens, blinkers, flashing lights. INQUIRER.net stock photo

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) will be stricter on imposing the guidelines prohibiting all government officials and personnel from using sirens, blinkers, and other similar devices pursuant to the administrative order (AO) issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Citing AO No. 18, which was released to the public on Thursday, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said only responding fire trucks, ambulances, and other emergency vehicles, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the National Bureau of Investigation, and the Philippine National Police are exempted from this prohibition.

READ: Marcos bars gov’t officials from using blinkers, sirens

Prior to the issuance of the AO, Fajardo also explained that they had been implementing the Presidential Decree (PD) 96 or the rules and regulations on the unlawful use and improper attachments of sirens, blinkers, and other similar flashing devices.

“We will be more strict with the implementation of PD 96, but as I said, even before the issuance of AO 18, the Highway Patrol Group has been enforcing this,” the PNP official said in a press briefing.

“But we are not exempting members of the PNP,” she added.

Fajardo also warned the public, especially those who own private vehicles, that penalties await those who use these devices illegally.

Blinkers or sirens used by drivers illegally will be confiscated on their first offense, but those who violate PD 96 for the second time will be met with a punishment of imprisonment of up to six months and may have their licenses and certificates of registration of vehicles canceled.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed AO No. 18 on March 25.

AO No. 18 shall take effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.