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 regulation of the sale of flashing lights and sirens.
In an interview on dzBB yesterday, HPG chief Brig. General Francisco Marbil said he had discussed the matter with the PNP’s legislative affairs unit.
“One of our recommendations is to regulate the sale of sirens and flashers. The law should not only prohibit the installation of wang-wang but also the sale of such items,” Marbil said.
“I hope this will be one of the legislative priorities of Congress: to regulate the sale of flashers and sirens. It is a burden for law enforcement to control the use of wang-wang,” he added.
Marbil warned motorists using flashers 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 though they are no longer allowed,” he said.
Marbil also clarified that the HPG is the only police unit that could provide roadside assistance and escorts to politicians apart from the Police Security and Protection Group and the Presidential Security Group.
“Some police units create their own biker units. They think it’s allowed. Local government units should stop providing convoys that are not authorized,” he said.