Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday announced its support for stricter measures against motorcycles utilizing open pipes and illegally modified mufflers, aiming to enhance road discipline among riders. In a statement, PNP Acting Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. instructed the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) and all Police Regional Offices (PROs) to rigorously enforce existing laws and local ordinances concerning illegal vehicle modifications. Uniform implementation will be a priority to prevent selective enforcement, he added.

According to Philippines News Agency, the PNP is focusing on a broader and more coordinated implementation across the nation. "Ang layunin po natin ay hindi manghuli agad (Our goal is not to hunt immediately). We want to encourage compliance and help riders understand that vehicle modifications are regulated by law," Nartatez emphasized. During the New Year's festivities, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) heightened its operations against individuals using open pipes and modified mufflers, aiming to curb excessive noise, maintain public order, and ensure peaceful celebrations.

In Taguig City, local police, in collaboration with barangay security forces in Barangay Pinagsama, executed 'Oplan Sita' to target motorcycles with open pipes and modified mufflers. The operation led to the apprehension of 15 riders for various city ordinance violations, including five specifically for illegal exhaust systems, which were confiscated.

"We view open pipes not just as a traffic issue but as a public safety and public order concern. Ang sobrang ingay ay nakakaistorbo sa komunidad lalo na sa residential areas, hospitals, at schools," Nartatez stated. He further addressed the concerns of motorcycle riders, assuring them that the policy is not anti-rider. "Hindi po ito anti-rider policy. Ang gusto lang po natin ay safe, legal, at responsible riding (This is not an anti-rider policy. We just want safe, legal, and responsible riding)," he concluded.