A June 13, 2011 press release by the Department of the Interior and Local Government
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo today ordered the filing of criminal charges against a South Korean national who was flagged down by elements of the PNP Highway Patrol Group for alleged unlawful use of “wang-wang” or siren while cruising along EDSA at the vicinity of Mandaluyong City last Sunday afternoon.
The DILG chief directed Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina, chief of the PNP Highway Patrol Group, to file violation of Presidential Decree 96 (illegal use of sirens and blinkers) against suspect Mr. Oh Hoon Kwon who is residing at Phoenix Heights Condominium, Bagong Ilog, Pasig City.
Before noon last Sunday, Robredo personally spotted the suspect driving his black Starex van with plate no. PID-916 using his “wang-wang” while cruising along EDSA at the vicinity of Mandaluyong City.
Upon sight of the vehicle, the DILG chief immediately sent a directive via text message to Espina to go after the erring driver. At that time, Robredo has just attended and delivered a speech at the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City for the celebration of the country’s 113th Independence Day.
The DILG chief ‘s move was in compliance with President Benigno Simeon Aquino III’s inaugural speech on June 30 last year indicating his abhorrence to a formerly accepted Philippine malady on the streets which is the counter-flow and the rampant use of wang-wangs by unauthorized persons.
Espina reported to the DILG chief that Kwon’s vehicle was traced by agents of the HPG NCR intelligence agents led by Sr. Superintendent Felix Castillo at the suspect’s residence in Pasig City at about 1:40 pm Sunday.
When confronted by PNP HPG agents who were accompanied by the Phoenix condominium’s security guards, Castillo said the suspect, who was civilly informed of his violation, voluntarily surrendered his vehicle and siren and was issued a corresponding receipt.
On Robredo’s instructions, Espina said the suspect would be charged in court today for violating Presidential Decree 96 issued on January 13, 1973 which prohibits the use of sirens, bells, whistles, horns and other similar devices that produce exceptionally loud or startling sound to any motor vehicle.
Such gadgets can only be attached to and used only on motor vehicles designated for official use by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Bureau of Investigation, Land Transportation Commission, Police Departments, Fire Departments, and hospital ambulances.
The punishment ranges from immediate confiscation of the vehicle, penalty of imprisonment for six months and/or a fine of 600 pesos, and certificate of vehicle registration shall be cancelled or revoked.
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