Kidapawan destroys illegal mufflers, warns public of stiffer penalties

KIDAPAWAN CITY (Sept. 5/NDBC)-- Instead of returning to its owners or put them in auction sale to earn revenue, the Kidapawan City government destroyed 217 modified mufflers Friday.Mayor Joseph Evagelista was personally present to supervise the destruction of motorcycle mufflers that produce ear breaking noise when used along major streets.He warned the motoring public to comply or the full force of the law will be applied against them.It was part of thestrict campaign of the local government unit inapprehending motorists who usemotorbike with very noise modified mufflers, locally known as bora-bora. Kidapawan residents have been complaining of too much noise pollution as a result of modified mufflers that proliferate in the city. The complaints reached Evangelista and acted on it. We acted on these complaints since modified mufflers create too much noise pollution in the streets, Evangelista said in a statement.Evangelista directed the local government agencies like city police, Traffic Management Unit and the Land Transportation Office to confiscate all bora-bora mufflers in motorbikes that commute around the city.During the implementation of Evangelista's directive, motorists flagged down by traffic enforcerswere directed todetach the modified mufflers as well as paying the mandatory penalties.On Friday, Evangelistaordered the operator of the City LGU's Vibratory Compactor to go ahead in crushing the confiscated modified mufflers in front of the city hall. Witnessing the event are members of the local media, police personnel and city government employees. Evangelista then reminded public motorists to refrain from using modified mufflers for their own safety and convenience of the public.He said the city government, through its implementing agencies, will continue to campaign against the use of bora-bora by confiscating expensive mufflers. (NDBC)