SP wants strict implementationof “safety helmet”

Councilor Abdillah Lim

COTABATO CITY --- The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of this city is pushing for the strict implementation of Republic Act No. 10054, otherwise known as the “Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009,” as well as the provisions on “Safety Helmet” under the Revised Traffic Code of Cotabato City instead of the use of masks or bonnets by some motorcycle and ‘habal-habal’ drivers or riders.

Councilor Abdillah J. Lim, chairman of the SP’s committee on public order and safety, passed a resolution requesting the Cotabato City Police Office (CCPO) to check the propriety on the use of masks and full bonnets by some motorcycle and habal-habal drivers/riders following information and observation from the public.

Why the use of masks and bonnets? Is this to conceal their facial identities? concerned citizens and officials asked. The use of safety helmets is more appropriate as head gear protection in cases of road accidents, still others remarked.

The use of safety helmets was toned down as an exemption for purposes of security after instances when those riding-in-tandem conceal their upper bodies in gunning down human targets.

“We would want our city police to look into this matter. Some of our residents are actually scared when they see those who wear masks and bonnets instead of the prescribed helmets,” Lim said.

Lim said comments and observations were also forwarded by some SP members relative to the issue, particularly on the “implications”of wearing the masks or bonnetsby some individuals in the city.

“It was emphasized during the deliberation that the wearing of masks and bonnets must be strictly prohibited in Cotabato City because the safety and welfare of the riding public as well as the constituents is among the primordial concerns of the city,” Lim added, implying the non-identification of these head-covered culprits in commission of crimes.

Lim said it is better to act now than say sorry later. “This would help us to prevent criminalities,” he said. (GILMHAR A. LAO& ANNE ACOSTA – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)