The chief of the Eastern Police District (EPD) has ordered the four police stations in his jurisdiction to step up the crackdown on the use of sirens and blinkers against civilian motorists and government officials following a directive from the chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Police Chief Supt. Francisco Soria Manalo, the EPD's district director, said they are stepping up the drive against the use of sirens and blinkers following an order from Director General Jesus Versoza, PNP chief, for the police to enforce a crackdown on it after President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III during his inaugural speech expressed his displeasure on their abuse.

Manalo said those who will be found violating the ban will be immediately arrested.

Meanwhile, Police Chief Inspector Romeo Panal, chief of the San Juan City Police – Police Community Relations Office, said police units in the San Juan City area have also stepped up their drive against the use of sirens and blinkers.

He said police personnel who conduct check points in key areas around the city are also on the lookout for vehicle owners who are using such devices as part of “Operation Wang-Wang.”

“So far we have not arrested any person in relation to the use of sirens and blinkers but our law enforcement units especially those manning check points are on the look out for possible violators,” he said.

Presidential Decree 96 defined the unlawful use or attachment of sirens, bells, horns, whistles, or similar gadgets that emit exceptionally loud or startling sounds, including domelights and other signaling or flashing devices on motor vehicles while providing exceptions.

It was issued in January, 1973, with the penalty of confiscation of the gadgets on the first offense and a fine of P15, 000 on the second offense.

Other laws prohibiting the use of the sirens and blinkers are Republic Act 4136 titled “An Act to Complete the Laws Relative to Land Transportation and Traffic Rules, to Create a Land Transportation Commission and for other Purposes,” and Administrative Order 122 issued in 2005, which reiterates the strict implementation of PD 96.

Article 4 Section 34 of RA 4136, on the other hand, reads: “All authorized emergency vehicles, such as ambulances and police cars and fire wagons used for emergency calls, shall be equipped with a bell, siren, or exhaust whistle of a type approved by the Commissioner, and no such device shall be installed or used in any other vehicle.”

The EPD has jurisdiction over the cities of Pasig, Mandaluyong, San Juan and Marikina.