Based on a memo from the Regional Director of Police Regional Office 7 dated September 6, 2007, the Deputation Orders issued to all the members of the PNP are hereby revoked immediately by ASEC Reynaldo I. Berroya of LTO. As a result of this, the authority of the PNP to assist the LTO in enforcing the national traffic laws (R.A. 4136) is thereby totally removed. In short, PNP can only investigate cases involving motor vehicles when there are violations other than the traffic laws, like when there is an accident involving death, physical injury or damage to property or vehicle theft only.
All other violations like, driving without licence and registration, reckless driving, violation on prescribed lights, wearing of helmets, traffic hazard, wrong turns, etc. are non-enforceable by the PNP anymore except when there are local ordinances penalizing the same. But PNP officers cannot even confiscate driver’s licenses for any traffic violation except those instances where the driver is involved in other crimes while in his vehicle. This situation, in effect, has rendered the PNP as toothless in the campaign against traffic violators.
In a meeting arranged by PSSUPT EDGARDO C. INGKING, the Provincial Director of Bohol PNP at his office with the Tagbilaran LTO Chief, Mr. Joel Maloloy-on on November 19, 2007, the latter confirmed that such revocation of deputation order is still in effect. Despite the offer of the PNP to help the LTO in enforcing the traffic law considering their very limited manpower that could not cover the entire province, it cannot do so because of such revocation.
The said meeting was initiated to specifically address the concerns about growing violations of traffic laws committed especially by drivers of public utility vehicles endangering the safety of the riding public like reckless driving, absence of signal and regulation lights and dilapidated vehicles. This also includes vehicles used in transporting our tourist putting their safety at stake.
Another concern is the rising number of youth motorcycle gangs in the province who are not only reported to be driving recklessly in our highways threatening the safety of motorists and pedestrians alike but also producing loud noise disturbing the peace in the community because of the intentionally redesigned mufflers of their motorcycles.
Much as the Bohol PNP wants to address these problems, it is totally helpless because of the revocation of its deputized functions by the LTO. Because of this, the Bohol PNP appealed to the local LTO Chief to convince the national LTO leadership to exempt Bohol in such revocation so the police, considering its presence in all the municipalities and city of the province, can actively help in the campaign against traffic violators and control the proliferation of youth motorcycle gangs.
In the meantime, all the police could do is to warn those who are caught committing traffic violations and record names of those members of the motorcycle gangs so the parents can be reminded of their children’s involvement in such gangs for their intervention. We are also appealing to the LGU, through its social services to assist us in this endeavor to discourage and eliminate this youth motorcycle gangs. Like any other youth gangs, this group is a cause for worry as it becomes a breeding ground for juvenile delinquency and criminal behavior.
Prepared by:
EDGARDO C. INGKING, CSEE
Police Senior Superintendent, DSC
Provincial Director
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