Is it another classic case of authorities acting after the fact?
Almost a week after a motorcyclist suffered a fatal accident along the Marikina-Rizal-Laguna-Quezon (Marilaque) Highway, authorities said they are now stepping up security measures to ensure motorists’ safety.
The Rizal Police Provincial Office, working in joint forces with the Rizal Highway Patrol Team, said it has already increased police presence in the area.
“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,” the Rizal PPO said 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 Highway 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.
The Marilaque Highway, which also passes through the town of Santa Maria in Laguna, has become a popular hangout and exhibition site for motorcycle riders in the area.
It has also become a popular alternative route to the towns of General Nakar, Infanta, and Real in Quezon.
(With report from PIA)
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