ILOILO CITY, Philippines (PNA) - Six traffic warning signboards bearing the images of supposed “aswang”, the Filipino version of the blood-sucking vampire of Europe, erected along the coastal road going in the direction of the town of Dumangas, 25 kilometers off this city, were ordered removed early this week.

The action came after a deluge of brickbats from angry residents of the town demanding that the odd traffic signs be pulled down immediately.

Dumangas Municipal Mayor Ronald Golez, however, defended the bizarre signboards, which depicted three female hags straddling brooms as a deterrent against speed maniacs. The place has been the scene of a number of serious road mishaps.

Golez said it was never his intention to offend his constituents, although he clarified that the controversial traffic signboards were to stay temporarily as planned to assist law enforcers in protecting the lives of motorists and pedestrians alike.

The signboards, which measured three feet in height and 14 inches long seemed to help propagate Dumangas' long-time reputation of being the lurking place of vampires, observers said.