HPG seizes 9 ‘wang-wang’ devices in Capiz
ROXAS CITY – The Highway Patrol Group has confiscated nine “wang-wang” devices, including seven sirens and two blinkers, from private cars and motorcycles here.
Police Officer 3 Iluminado Peña Jr., chief of HPG Traffic Management, said five of the sirens were confiscated from motorcycles while the two blinkers, from cars.
“Although the violators were not using their wang-wangs during the apprehension, their gadgets could still be confiscated under PD 96, which makes unlawful the possession and use of such gadgets by people other than those allowed by law,” Peña said.
Those allowed to use sirens are the vehicles of the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House, and the Chief Justice.
“Fire trucks and the medical ambulances are also allowed. Police patrol cars can also use them during emergency situations only,” Peña said.
The series of operations against “wang-wangs” aim to warn illegal users.
Gadgets of first offenders are confiscated. However, second offenders and “incorrigible” individuals, in addition to confiscation, will be fined P15,000 or suffer imprisonment or both.
The tightened campaign against the unlawful use of sirens and blinkers stemmed from President Benigno Simeon Aquino III’s order against the indiscriminate and irresponsible use of “wang-wang” devices by unauthorized individuals.
