Hundreds of noisy mufflers crushed in Sariaya enforcement drive

By Rowena T. Cruz Modified mufflers and open pipes seized from noisy motorcycles await destruction during Sariaya’s September 7 enforce...

By Rowena T. Cruz

Modified mufflers and open pipes seized from noisy motorcycles await destruction during Sariaya’s September 7 enforcement drive. (Mayor Marivic Gayeta)

SARIAYA, Quezon - Smashed with sledgehammers and flattened under a road roller, hundreds of confiscated motorcycle mufflers were put beyond use during Sariaya’s campaign against excessive street noise. The September 7 operation took place outside the town’s new municipal building, where officials and employees watched the modified mufflers and open pipes being crushed.

Mayor Marivic Gayeta led the activity alongside Sariaya police chief Marlon Manalo, the captain of Barangay Poblacion 6 and members of the municipal police. The exhaust devices came from motorcycles apprehended for producing excessive noise along public roads and within residential communities.

Republic Act No. 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, requires every motor vehicle to carry a muffler that prevents excessive or unusual noise. Section 34 likewise prohibits unnecessary acceleration, repeated starting and stopping, and other driving practices that produce disagreeable sounds along public roads.

Gayeta directed her appeal toward motorcycle owners, particularly young riders who might consider installing modified mufflers and open pipes on their vehicles. She said excessive motorcycle noise disturbs residents, including families caring for young children and students reviewing their lessons at home.

“Nakikiusap po ako sa ating mga kababayan, lalo’t higit sa ating mga kabataan, na sana po ay panatilihin natin ang kaayusan at katahimikan ng ating bayan,” Gayeta said. “Huwag na po nating ikabit ang mga tambutsong ganitong maiingay dahil nakasasagabal at masakit sa pandinig ng ating mga kababayan, lalo na sa mga may bata at mga mag-aaral na nagre-review.”

Gayeta also reminded riders that costly exhaust modifications would become wasted purchases once the police apprehended their motorcycles and seized the equipment. She asked them to follow the law and avoid using devices that disrupt the peace of their barangays.

“Alam ko po na ang mga ito ay mahal, kaya sayang po ang inyong ibibili kung mahuhuli lamang din ng ating mga kapulisan,” Gayeta said. “Pasensya na po kayo dahil sumusunod lamang tayo sa batas, at hindi natin palalampasin ang mga motor na maiingay at sagabal sa ating mga kababayan.”