Case versus highway patrol group readied

Criminal and administrative charges are now being prepared against elements of the highway patrol group who allegedly confiscated the blaring siren of a city government vehicle during a random road inspection last July 10.

“Even if there is a marching order from the President to disallow blaring sirens, the President is not the law,” stressed Co, noting that law enforcers have to follow due process in confiscating sirens.

It can be recalled that a team from the Constabulary Highway Patrol Group (CHPG) flagged down at Brgy. Tiguma the government-owned gray Mitsubishi Strada pickup bearing plate number FGZ 424, and driven by Jigger Ordoño on way to Ozamiz City.

The patrolling officers, whose names were not yet revealed, allegedly inspected the vehicle, and upon finding the siren, cut the wires and confiscated the gadget. When the news broke out, City Mayor Sammy Co expressed disgust over the seizure and branded the officers as “disrespectful.”

Presidential Decree No. 96 declares the use or attachment of sirens, bells, horns, whistles or similar gadgets that emit exceptionally loud or startling sounds, including domelights, blinkers and other flashing devices on motor vehicles unlawful.

In a briefing, Co revealed his legal team has already prepared six affidavits of witness testifying the incident and has built arguments, particularly on warrantless search, strengthening the case.

Co said the vehicle had no traffic violation when it was flagged down. He added that the patrol officers labeled the flagged down vehicle, which was stopped by the officers just a hundred meters from Co’s residence, as “unserviceable.”
“The city government and I in my personal capacity as city mayor is definitely filing the charges against the patrol officers,” squealed Co, reiterating that the incident involved illegal search.

He further stressed it was a violation of human rights and that the involved officers have to face the consequence of their actions.

Further, the city mayor criticized some members of the highway patrol group for the reports that they are allegedly “flagging down vehicles of the good citizen.” The mayor cited incidents of extortion that has reach the city hall.

He disclosed that vehicle owners in Pagadian City have repeatedly complained about alleged extortion activities or street “kotongs” on the national highway.

In conclusion, Mayor Co challenged the highway patrol, “Why can’t they recover carnapped vehicles?” The mayor noted that only the police force is recovering stolen vehicles and that the highway patrol group should have intensified drive against carnapping instead of flagging down vehicles of good citizens.