The Land Transportation Office-Negros Island Region (LTO-NIR) impounded 13 motorcycles allegedly involved in illegal drag racing along Circumferential Road in Barangay Granada, Bacolod City on April 26, 2026. At least 20 riders were issued citation tickets for violating Republic Act 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.
Operation Details
The operation, conducted jointly by LTO-NIR and the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) around 11:30 p.m., was based on a tip from a confidential informant about nightly drag races along the Bacolod-Negros Occidental Economic Highway (Banoceh). Jeck Conlu, LTO-NIR Officer-in-Charge, stated that the impoundment resulted from document-related violations, while citation tickets were issued for violations of Republic Act 4136.
Commitment to Road Safety
Conlu emphasized that the operation underscores LTO-NIR's continued commitment to road safety and strict enforcement against illegal racing and other traffic violations. The LTO also issued a directive to standardize enforcement of laws on muffler modifications and excessive vehicle noise, following public complaints about inconsistent implementation.
Under Section 34(j) of Republic Act 4136 and Section 5.2.7 of Department Order 2010-32, cutting, altering, or disconnecting vehicle mufflers remains strictly prohibited. Unauthorized modifications will be penalized according to existing laws. Aftermarket mufflers are allowed only if they meet Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) standards, evidenced by a valid Philippine Standard (PS) Mark or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) sticker, and do not produce excessive noise as defined under Memorandum Circular 2020-2240.
Conlu clarified that mufflers failing to meet these requirements or generating noise beyond allowable limits are strictly banned and subject to fines and penalties. To ensure uniform enforcement, all Law Enforcement Officers are directed to strictly follow prescribed procedures in sound level testing under existing guidelines.
