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CEBU CITY, Philippines – Authorities moved to stop illegal drag races in Sibonga town and other areas following an accident during an illegal race Saturday night that injured eight persons, including the two motorcycle racers.
Lionel Bacaltos, Sibonga town mayor, told policemen and barangay (village) officials to intensify their patrols along the national highway, particularly near the boundary with Carcar City, where drag races usually take place.
Cebu Provincial Police Director Carmelo Valmoria also ordered the police chiefs of Sibonga town and Carcar City to tighten their checkpoints and increase police visibility, especially during nighttime, when these activities are held.
Valmoria also instructed the policemen not to wear uniforms when they go on patrol against drag races, so they would not be recognized.
The police official said he already received numerous complaints about the illegal races but police have been unable to apprehend anyone.
“Some of the persons involved in these drag races also have look-outs in order to elude arrest from the police authorities,” Valmoria said.
Mayor Bacaltos said he did not know that drag races were held in his town until the relatives of Saturday's accident victims came to him seeking help.
A complaint for slight physical injuries will be filed against the two drag racers, Jessie Solon, 27, and Dante Lapena, 22, who were detained briefly at the Sibonga Police Station.
Bacaltos said the two racers admitted doing it just for fun.
“Wala sila mi-angkon nga sila nagpusta-anay (They didn't admit to betting),” he said.
He said he has asked the municipal council to pass an ordinance prohibiting drag racing.
“If there's a need to make an ordinance, then it would be a total ban on drag racing,” Bacaltos said.
But Bacaltos said a tougher law against drag racing can be passed by Congress.
“Municipal Ordinances only give light penalties,” he said.
The mayor said another reason drag racing should not be held, even if done during night time or at dawn, is the national highway could not be closed for that purpose.
“Other motorists, buses and even pedestrians could still use the road,” he said. /Reporter Nilda L. Gallo and Correspondents Jhunnex Napallacan and Rene F. Alima
