BCPO now armed with decibeleters, reports 18 apprehension for noisy mufflers

Baguio City Police Station has already equipped its different stations and operating units with decibel meters or sound measuring devices necessary for operations involving vehicles with noisy exhausts or mufflers.

BCPO City Director Ruel Tagel, in a report to Mayor Benjamin Magalong last April 27, said the decibel meters are now being used in checkpoint operations and in flagging down motorcycles and vehicles that make excessive noise.

Of late, the BCPO Traffic Enforcement Unit under PMaj. James Allen Dogao have made a total of under 18 apprehensions.

The purchase was in fulfillment of the BCPO’s commitment during its dialogue with the motorcycle groups last April 8 to address concerns on loud mufflers causing disturbances to residents.

During the meeting which was requested by the mayor to resolve the problem and the complaints being received by his office, procedures on the apprehension of violators were spelled out including the use of appropriate sound measuring devices.

The use of such devices will be based on the guidelines on the use of such equipment in accordance with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) memorandum circular.

The riders groups were reminded to continue policing their ranks to ensure that their members are complying with the city ordinances and Land Transportation Office issuances on the prohibition of improper mufflers including Republic Act 4136.

They also agreed that all complaints or clarifications will be coursed through the police station concerned or the TEU and not through social media for them to be properly addressed. – Aileen P. Refuerzo