HPG-7 seizes over 500 sirens, blinkers

CEBU, Philippines — Over 500 illegally installed devices have been confiscated by the operatives of Highway Patrol Group (HPG)-7 since January to April this year.

This is in line with the strict implementation of Administrative Order No. 18 which prohibits the use of sirens, blinkers, strobe lights, and other flashing devices on unauthorized vehicles.

HPG-7 reported a total of 530 blinkers, sirens, strobe lights, and illegal horns have been confiscated by them in Central Visayas. Most of the items seized were led lights (493); blinkers (31); horns (5); and strobe light (1).

Police Lt. Col. Wilbert Parilla, HPG-7 chief, said they have been coordinating with the different local government units for the local officials to be aware of the policy against the unauthorized use of blinkers and sirens.

Parilla said that for those first time offenders only confiscation of unauthorized devices but second time offenders will be issued Temporary Operators Permit (TOP) which would affect their eligibility to get a driver’s license with 10 years validity.

Parilla reiterated that only marked vehicles of the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, and ambulances are allowed to install blinkers, sirens, and other signaling and flashing devices.

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) is not authorized but they can be exempted if they are transporting a high-value prisoner during court hearings.

“Duna silay exemption considering nga mo coordinate sila sa atoa nga duna sila i-deliver or dunay ihatod sa court hearing sa ilang inmates, they have to coordinate with us para ato pud silang ma-assist,” said Parilla. (CEBU NEWS)