Cotabato City LGU destroys seized illegal motorcycle mufflers

COTABATO CITY -- More than 150 assorted open-pipe motorcycle mufflers, confiscated by the Cotabato City Traffic Management Unit (TMU) were destroyed by the city government. This is to send the message that we are serious in our campaign against open pipe mufflers that produce irritating sounds, Mayor Japal Guiani Jr said as he led city TMU officials in destroying the mufflers using a backhoe. These are a nuisance to the city because of the loud noise they are emitting every time they run along the city streets, Guiani said.Guinai said the mufflers were confiscated by TMU in various operations in the city.It was the second time the city government destroyed confiscated mufflers.Late last year, about 130 modified mufflers were also destroyed by the city government.TMU chief Police Insp. Joseph Villanuevastressed that the use of an improvised mufflers is in violation of the Republic Act (RA) No. 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code of the Philippines.RA 4136 says every motor vehicle propelled by an internal combustion engine shall be equipped with a muffler, and whenever said motor vehicle passes through a street of any city, municipality, or thickly populated district or barrio, the muffler shall not be cut out or disconnected. No motor vehicle shall be operated in such a manner as to cause it to emit or make any unnecessary or disagreeable odor, smoke or noise.