Police have launched a crackdown against the recurrent motorcycle drag racing on a major highway here.
Capt. Abdulsalam Mamalinta, chief of city police’s Station 4, said Wednesday they increased visibility and security patrols along the city circumferential road due to the reported resurgence of drag racing activities in the past several weeks.
He said motorcycle riders from parts of the city were usually converging at a portion of the highway in Purok Udagri, Barangay Conel for the illegal activity.
The drag races were reported in the northern section of the circumferential or diversion road, which stretches from Barangay Katangawan to Apopong and is an alternate for motorists and delivery trucks to and from Davao City as well as Koronadal City and the nearby areas.
“It has become a modus already, the riders meet up in the area and then race on, posing danger to other motorists and nearby residents,” Mamalinta said in a radio interview.
He said they already received numerous complaints and reports on the matter, with some including actual video footage.
Most of the drag races were reported on weekends, especially during the Sunday lockdown, while some residents monitored them on some weeknights to dawn.
Mamalinta said the riders usually use modified motorcycles, including those with modified mufflers that create much noise, annoying residents in the area.
He said they conducted a surprise operation last Sunday and was able to arrest one of those allegedly involved in the activity.
The investigation is ongoing on the other persons who were behind and participated in the drag racing, as well as their betting arrangements, he said.
“We’re using all available resources to identify all involved and file the necessary charges against them,” Mamalinta said.
There have been no accidents recorded yet directly involving the drag racers but he said they would not wait for such scenario as it is already a “grave concern” for other motorists and residents.
He said violators could face fines up to PHP100,000 plus imprisonment and could face other charges based on the provisions of Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code
Source: Philippines News Agency