DISASTERS in the transport sector, whether on land, at sea or in the air, happen with some sort of regularity. One reason is because people, especially Filipinos, have been raised along the lines of “bahala na” (come what may) without regard for principles of safety and correctness in doing things, let alone early preparedness.
For so long, ordinary citizens look up to the government to take care of incidents involving the movement of people in vehicles. With the population increasing exponentially, both the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have been swamped with problems and concerns that have remained untouched through the years.
Until another tragedy occurs.
Drag racing and daring motorcycle exhibitions by riders have been going for some time along the Marikina-Rizal-Laguna-Quezon (Marilaque) Highway with the police and local officials unperturbed. The public and the authorities became aware of the problem once more following the circulation of a viral video of a fatal incident involving two stupid motorcycle fanatics recently.
`There is thus enough documentary and police blotter evidence that races and riding exhibitions were being held with impunity in the area, but the police are acting only now.’
The two riders’ motorcycles crashed into a group of bystanders, resulting in a person’s death (he was a vlogger) and injuries to four other individuals, Highway Patrol Group (HPG) spokesperson Lt. Dhame Malang told reporters.
The incident prompted HPG Director Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta to increase their presence along the 115-kilometer road by adding between 10 and 15 officers from the highway patrol teams of Laguna, Cavite and Quezon. The Rizal Highway Patrol Team (HPT) has only 17 officers.
The viral crash is the 13th incident along the Marilaque Highway recorded by the Rizal HPT from Jan. 1 to 28, according to data from the HPG. A total of 158 incidents along Marilaque Highway were logged from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2024 with 110 taking place in the Palo-Alto and Mount Masungi area.
There is thus enough documentary and police blotter evidence that races and riding exhibitions were being held with impunity in the area, but the police are acting only now. Meantime, the lives of residents there and many other law-abiding motorists are being exposed to unnecessary risks. Exacerbating the illegal road activities is the fact that these daredevil stunts by non-stuntmen are captured on video for distribution in social media, further promoting and reinforcing the culture of impunity.
We may recall that last year, four young men died in car crashes along Marcos Highway in Antipolo City not far from the Marilaque Highway, with the police suspecting a case of drag racing. Drag racing is illegal as it puts lives in grave danger, wastes previous fuel and time, and only boosts the ego and bravado of those who engage in it. Often, it is also a form of illegal gambling with one’s money or girlfriend at stake.
While Congress has taken action against illegal street racers — we have the Land Transportation and Traffic Code — efforts of the implementing agencies seemed short and unable to put an end to drag racing activities on public roads across the Philippines.
Land Transportation Office chief Vigor Mendoza II, meanwhile, ordered its Calabarzon office to go after erring riders along Marilaque Highway.
Our officials are there to help but of course, it is often after the fact.
