372 motorcyclists fined for driving sans helmets, license plates

Tuesday 7th of February 2012

MASBATE CITY, Feb. 7 (PIA) -- If you thought it was all talk, think again.

Violators of the “no plate/helmet, no travel” policy in Masbate City have been meted out fines, according to a report presented at last Thursday’s meeting of the Provincial Law Enforcement Coordinating Council (PLECC) by Supt. Rodolfo Abella, Masbate City police chief.

The report, which assessed the implementation of the Traffic Ordinance of Masbate City since Abella took over last Dec. 28, said the city police’s traffic division apprehended 322 erring motorcyclists.

This is on top of those apprehended outside the city, according to SPO3 Jose Vasquez, Highway Patrol Group chief.

In his separate report, which evaluated last year’s implementation of the traffic code, Vasquez said various police stations reported having apprehended 50 erring motorists.

All were meted out fines of P500.

Saying the results showed the government’s “seriousness” in instilling discipline on the road, Land Transportation Office district chief Maricar Butalid and Department of the Interior and Local Government provincial director Renato Alaurin commended Abella for his accomplishments.

Senior Supt. Heriberto O. Olitoquit, police provincial director and PLECC chair, said he would create a task force that would zero in on policemen who own or drive vehicles. (MAL/EAD- PIA Masbate)