PNP seeks regulation on sale of wang-wang

MANILA, Philippines — Amid reports of motorists using “wang-wang” to evade traffic rules, the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) is pushing for the regulation of the sale of blinkers and sirens.

In an interview on dzBB yesterday, HPG chief Brig. Gen. Francisco Marbil said he had discussed the matter with the PNP Legislative Affairs Unit.

“One of our recommendations is to regulate the sale of sirens and blinkers. The law should not only prohibit the installation of wang-wang but also the sale of these items,” Marbil said.

“I hope it will be one of the legislative priorities of Congress: to regulate the sale of blinkers and sirens. It is a burden to law enforcement agencies to control the use of wang-wang,” he added.

Marbil warned motorists using blinkers and sirens, saying these emergency devices are exclusive to motor vehicles designated by the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Fire Protection and ambulances.

“Motorists are still using sirens even if these are not allowed anymore,” he said.

Marbil also clarified that the HPG is the only police unit that could give traffic assistance and escorts to politicians aside from the Police Security and Protection Group and Presidential Security Group.

“Some police units are creating their own motorcycle units. They think it is allowed. Local government units should stop providing convoys that are not authorized,” he said.