TANAY, Rizal (PIA) — The Rizal Police Provincial Office (PPO) has stepped up security measures along the Marikina-Rizal-Laguna-Quezon (Marilaque) Highway to ensure motorists’ safety following a recent spate of accidents.
The Rizal PPO, working in joint forces with the Rizal Highway Patrol Team, has already increased police presence in the area to ensure safer travel for motorists traversing the highway.
“Nagsagawa ang Rizal PNP katuwang ang Rizal Highway Patrol Team ng police visibility sa kahabaan ng Marilaque Highway para masiguro ang kaligtasan ng bawat motoristang dadaan sa nasabing lugar,” said Rizal PPO in a statement.
The Rizal PPO and the PNP Highway Patrol Group (HPG) will patrol the area during the day and on weekends, when hundreds of motorcycle riders frequent the 115-kilometer Marilaque Road for road trips.
The Rizal PPO also urged motorists, particularly motorcycle riders frequenting the highway on weekends, to refrain from using the highway as a racetrack.
“Sa mga motoristang dumadaan sa Marilaque Highway, nais naming ipaabot ang matagal na naming kampanya para sa mas ligtas at payapang pagbagtas sa daanan na ito. Maging responsable po tayong driver upang kapwa makauwi ng ligtas sa bawat pamilyang nag aantay sa inyong pagdating. Hindi po race track ang highway na ito,” the Rizal PPO emphasized.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is also set to work with the local police forces and the local government units to prevent the Marilaque road from being turned into a motorcycle exhibition area for motorcycle riders.
“We have to put a stop to this practice because it endangers the lives of not only the motorcycle riders but also the other road users passing in the area. In the most recent case, may namatay na nga motorcycle vlogger at may mga nadamay pang turista,” said LTO Chief and Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II.
Due to the frequency of accidents, the Marilaque Highway has earned the nickname “Killer Highway” or “Devil’s Corner.”
On January 26, a motorcycle accident resulted in the death of a motovlogger and injuries to at least four others.
Citizens and motorists have expressed support for the increased police visibility, recognizing the need to apprehend violators.
“Masarap mag joy ride dati dyan, ngayon nakakatakot na dahil hindi mo alam may biglang babanggang motor sa sasakyan mo dahil nagpapasikat. Gawan sana ng mabigat na penalty mga lalabag sa batas sa Marilaque para sa kaayusan ng lahat. Ibalik ang ganda at disiplina sa lugar,” said Julius Sierda.
Others have called for the establishment of checkpoints in strategic locations and the restriction of bystanders in accident-prone parts of the Marilaque Highway.
Senator Raffy Tulfo, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Services, on Monday instructed the PNP Highway Patrol Group to increase their presence and establish an outpost along the highway to monitor motorcycles and vehicles, preventing accidents.
This directive followed reports from Ariel Lim, president of the National Public Transport Coalition, that riders use the highway for racing and stunts, particularly on weekends, which also puts passing private vehicles at risk.
Tulfo also urged the Department of the Interior and Local Government to coordinate with local government units in the area to take immediate action on the issue.
Marilaque Highway, known for its scenic views in Rizal, has become a popular hangout and exhibition site for motorcycle riders in the area. (FSC, PIA4A)
