BACOLOD, PHILIPPINES – The City of San Carlos in northern Negros Occidental has banned full-face helmets to prevent motorcycle riders who use them as a disguise.
According to Executive Order 89, which amends Section 1 of EO 86 and was signed by Mayor Renato Gustilo and made public by the city government over the weekend, wearing a half-face motorcycle helmet is required within the city limits.
The San Carlos Component City Police Station released a report on Monday regarding how EO 89 was enforced at specific locations using checkpoints.
Gustilo first issued EO 86, which lifted the Section 1 ban on the use of motorcycle safety helmets within the city limits. However, EO 89 allowed half-face helmets within the municipal boundaries.
“For clarificatory purposes, using a full-face helmet is prohibited within the city proper. However, starting in any of these (stated) areas going outside San Carlos City, wearing a full-face helmet is required,” the mayor said.
Full-face helmets can already be used in areas from Sancaville Subdivision in Barangay Rizal, City Hardware, and Kalingling Bridge.
“All motorcycle drivers and back riders must take off their helmets, bonnets, or masks upon order of the law enforcers operating the checkpoints, which are established at designated areas under this order,” Gustilo said.
He also ordered a speed limit of 40 kilometers per hour for motorists within the city proper. In issuing the EO 86, Gustilo said, “It has been observed that most crimes are committed by persons wearing protective motorcycle helmets to hide their identities.”
According to Gustilo, prohibiting full-face helmet wear and capping driving speeds in select San Carlos City neighborhoods is to reduce crime and make it easier to spot offenders.
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