PNP to be stricter vs. illegal wang-wang use after Marcos order

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said it will be stricter in enforcing rules and regulations regarding the use of sirens, blinkers, and other similar devices, after President Ferdinand “Bongbong ” Marcos Jr. banned government officials and personnel from using  them.

In a press briefing, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said that even before Marcos’ Executive Order 18, authorities have been enforcing the Presidential Decree 96.

“We will be more strict in the enforcement po nitong Presidential Decree 96,” Fajardo said.

“But like I said, even prior to the issuance po ng Executive Order 18, the Highway Patrol Group has been enforcing the provision ng PD 96.” 

PD 96, issued in 1973, makes it illegal for private vehicles to install blinkers, sirens and other related device.

Fajardo said the PNP will coordinate with other government agencies such as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and local government units in the National Capital Region to implement Marcos’ latest order.

Fajardo vowed that the police will be impartial in enforcing the law against the illegal use of sirens and other signaling devices regardless of social status.

“Wala po tayong sisinuhin sa pag-implement at pag-enforce po PD 96 regardless kung ano po ang estado nila sa buhay,” she said.

(We will spare no one in implementing and enforcing PD 96 regardless of their status in life.)

In the first offense, the signaling devices of violators will be confiscated, according to the PNP.

In the second offense, violators may face six months of imprisonment as well as cancellation of their vehicle registration and driver’s license, the PNP added.

The PNP, together with concerned agencies, will also check shops that are illegally selling sirens, blinkers, and similar devices. Violators may face cancellation of their business permits.

From January to March this year, a total of 2,546 devices were confiscated, according to Fajardo. In 2023, a total of 7,931 devices were seized.

Under PD 96, the use of signaling devices is only allowed for vehicles designated for official use by the military, law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and ambulances, among others.

“It shall be unlawful for the owner or possessor of any motor vehicle to use or attach to his vehicle any siren, bell, horn, whistle, or other similar gadgets that produce exceptionally loud or startling sound, including dome lights, blinkers and other similar signaling or flashing devices,” PD 96 states. —KBK, GMA Integrated News