Cops seize 42 sirens in 3 days

CEBU, Philippines -   Forty-two sirens and 184 fog lamps were confiscated by police authorities in Central Visayas during their recent three-day operation.

The operation was in consonance with the announcement of President Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino in his inaugural speech prohibiting the use of sirens and other similar devices, Police Regional Office-7 director Lani-O Nerez said.

Nerez said the Philippine National Police launched a nationwide campaign enforcing Presidential Decree 96.

In line with the campaign, the PRO-7, headed by Nerez, organized its units composed of the Regional Highway Patrol Unit-7, Cebu City Police Office, Cebu Provincial Police Office, and other units in the region to go after the illegal users of such devices.

They conducted the operation from July 3 to 6.

“Gone are the days of abusive owners of vehicles who use sirens and blinkers to escape the tiring traffic and go fast other traveling public lording over roads and highways to the detriment of other riding public,” Nerez said.

The PRO-7 director, however, said that there were no prominent personalities or government officials who were confiscated with the devices, though he said that their operation also applies to government officials and famous personalities in society.

Nerez called on vehicle owners having such items to voluntarily detach and surrender these to the nearest police office in their place.

Presidential Decree 96 provides that it is unlawful for the owner of any motor vehicle to use or attach to his vehicle any siren, horn whistle, or other similar gadget that produces exceptionally loud or startling sound, including dome lights, blinkers and other similar signaling or flashing devices.   (FREEMAN NEWS)