Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo of Dumaguete City and the Provincial Highway Patrol Group pledged Thursday to continue with the relentless campaign against illegal modified mufflers of motorcycles.
On Thursday morning at the City Hall, Mayor Remollo spearheaded the destruction of about 140 modified mufflers that the PHPG had earlier confiscated during checkpoints and roadside operations in the city.
A road roller was brought in to flatten out the illegal mufflers, which the Mayor described as a nuisance to residents, considering the loud noise emanating from these illegal motorcycle accessories.
The flattened modified mufflers were surrendered to the General Services Office who will conduct a bidding for those who are in the scrap metal business, Remollo said.
Remollo expressed surprise these illegal modified mufflers were made of “very strong materials”, which took about eight passes by the road roller before they were totally flattened.
He reiterated the campaign against illegal modified mufflers is in response to public clamor against the unusually loud noise from these accessories that is unhealthy to humans.
Sr. Insp. Robelito Mariano, PHPG head, disclosed that these illegal mufflers cost from P5,000 to as much as P8,000 each.
Mariano said he and his men continue with their operations against illegal modified mufflers and other traffic laws, rules and regulations as they are deputized agents by the Land Transportation Office and the Dumaguete City government.
Meanwhile, Mayor Remollo disclosed that he has discussed with city officials, especially city councilors, to look at the possibility of getting the cooperation of sellers of illegal modified mufflers in Dumaguete.
Also, the Mayor said the City is studying what sanctions to impose for those who are “knowingly selling modified mufflers”.
But, the Mayor stressed there will be a public hearing on it to get the side of the shops selling these items. (Judy Flores Partlow)
