CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- About 53 motorcycles were intercepted by the Pampanga police following a series of amplified police operations on "No Plate, No Travel" policy being implemented by lawmen in the province.
Pampanga Provincial Police Director Keith Ernald Siñgian cited the policy as a preemptive move against robbery incidents in which most of the cases were perpetrated by persons riding on vehicles without license plate numbers.
Siñgian said the impounded motorcycles will be released only upon presentation by the owner of proofs of ownership of the units including their registration papers with the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
This, according to him, is consistent with the Motor Vehicle Registration Law, which requires all vehicles plying along the roads to register and be issued of their respective license plate numbers.
Siñgian said from middle of last month, the provincial police office has already seized the 53 motorcycles with violations on expired registrations and from those vehicles without license plate numbers attributed as newly acquired motor vehicles from dealers or stores.
He underscored that vehicles sporting unauthorized commemorative and vanity plates were also among those to be accosted on the implementation of said policy.
He further bared that criminal elements may take advantage and employ the unlawful practice of using motorcycles and other vehicles without plate numbers or valid registration papers to conceal their nefarious activities from justice.
Siñgian, however, made clear that although commemorative and vanity plates were approved by the LTO for a purpose, the original LTO plates should still remain visible and displayed at all times.
The provincial police chief appealed to motorists' understanding on the inconvenience that may result in the implementation of said policy since the police are duty bound to implement the law.
