The Bohol Provincial Police Office (BPPO) has officially implemented the Helmet Law throughout the province after several days of conducting an information drive on traffic violations.
This was announced Monday by BPPO acting provincial director Sr. Supt. Angeles Geñorga during the flag raising ceremony inside the Bohol police headquarters at Camp Dagohoy in Tagbilaran City.
According to Geñorga, the BPPO boosted efforts to inform the riding public particularly motorcyclists on the importance of using helmets and other protective gear.
“Kung makakasama kayo sa mga Oplan Sita, PCR approach ito, cautioning them, making them aware of the consequences of not wearing helmet, and making them feel that we care for them,” said Geñorga.
Geñorga said that he is in favor of the province-wide enforcement of the law, noting that he is optimistic motorcyclists will soon be accustomed to the mandatory use of helmets.
“I was talking to the assistant secretary of the Malacañang spokesman last night and he was telling me Camiguin’s model. Lahat willingly obey the helmet requirement. Lahat sumusunod na sa Helmet Law na hindi mo na kailangang i-remind,” added Geñorga.
Officials in the province has had conflicting views on the implementation of the Helmet Law particularly in Tagbilaran City due to the rash of crimes carried out by motorcycle-riding suspects who covered their faces with helmets.
However, the rise in the number of fatal road accidents involving motorcyclists with no protective headgear prompted authorities to reconsider in favor of the use of helmets.
In an earlier statement, Tagbilaran City police chief Supt. Patricio Degay Jr. informed the Sangguniang Panlalawigan that 12 motorists who were not wearing helmets died due to road accidents in 2017.
According to Geñorga, BPPO personnel have also been mandated to wear helmets when riding motorcycles.
“We must set as the example. I would not allow any personnel going the street without helmet,” he said. (R. Tutas)