HPG: No sirens, blinkers for LTO, LTFRB, MMDA

Three government agencies are not authorized to use blinkers and sirens or “wangwang” on their vehicles, a police official said on Friday.

Brig. Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, director of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG), made the statement when asked in an interview on “Agenda” over One News on Friday if the law enforcement units of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) are allowed to use the emergency devices.

“They are not authorized to put sirens and blinkers,” Marbil said.

Apart from the two agencies under the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Marbil said the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is also prohibited from using sirens and blinkers.

Marbil said their police officers flagged down a MMDA vehicle on Thursday for using a blinker.

Citing provisions of Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, Marbil said only ambulances, fire trucks and police marked vehicles are authorized to use sirens and blinkers.

“There are no more exemptions,” he added.

A security official who spoke on condition of anonymity said in an interview that the Presidential Security Group, which is in charge of the president’s security; the Police Security and Protection Group, Armed Forces of the Philippines and the National Bureau of Investigation are also exempted.

The source said there are instances where they allow the MMDA to use blinkers and sirens during emergencies, disaster response and other operations such as clearing of roads.

The HPG has intensified its drive against the unauthorized use of blinkers and sirens in response to complaints from senators.