PNP-HPG Rizal condemns ‘superman’ stunt accident, called for reforms
By now, viral clips of the Marilaque “superman” stunt that ended in tragedy may have already reached your Facebook feed and you may have had a positive or negative reaction on that matter.
As for the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) Provincial Advisory Group Rizal (PAG), has issued a statement of deep concern and strong condemnation over that tragic incident, and has called on the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to impose a perpetual disqualification to one of the individuals involved in the accident from getting a driver’s license.
“The officers and members of the HPG-Provincial Advisory Group Rizal express deep concern and strong condemnation over the tragic accident along Marilaque Highway that claimed the life of John Louie Arguelles and left Rico Buyawan as the lone survivor,” said HPG-Provincial Advisory Group Rizal.
It also added that “this heartbreaking incident is yet another stark reminder that reckless behavior on the road is a matter of life and death–one that demands urgent and decisive action from all sectors of the society.”
Also, according to the HPG-Provincial Advisory Group Rizal, the once beautiful tourist destination in Rizal has now become a death trap for motorcyclists, not because of the road, but because of the lack of enforcement, infrastructure and institutionalized safety measures.
That said, the HPG-Provincial Advisory Group Rizal suggested the following reforms:
Permanent outposts and checkpoints – the establishment of strategic outposts along critical areas such as Palo Alto, Manukan, and Devil’s Corner can enable real-time monitoring and rapid response to emergencies and reckless driving incidents.
Increased logistical and personnel support for HPG – the HPG is both undermanned and under-resourced in Marilaque. HPG says that additional manpower, patrol vehicles, and speed monitoring equipment are urgently needed to improve law enforcement.
Active LGU participation – HPG calls for LGUs to step up, not just in tourism promotion, but also in traffic discipline enforcement. It has also called on the prioritization of road safety programs, ordinances that put heavy penalties on reckless driving/riding, and investments in roadside emergency infrastructures.
Institutionalizing Marilaque as a “Traffic Discipline Zone” – the HPG has called for stricter speed limits, regular law enforcement operations, mandatory safety briefings for group rides, and roadside CCTV monitoring to help transform Marilaque as a “chill ride zone” instead of a “kill ride zone.”
The HPG-Provincial Advisory Group Rizal also said that it stands firm in its call for accountability, where reckless riders (and drivers) must face the consequences of their actions to the full extent of the law.
