The Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) said it has intensified patrol operations and the enforcement of traffic rules along the Marilaque (Marikina-Rizal-Laguna-Quezon) Highway following a series of accidents caused by motorcyclists performing stunts and racing in the area.

In a statement Thursday, PNP-HPG officer in charge Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta said a surprise inspection was recently conducted at the highway in Tanay, Rizal, which “has become a popular hangout for motorcycle riders.”

Matta said they are now evaluating the deployment of HPG personnel, the Regional Mobile Force Battalion, the Tanay Municipal Police Office, and the Traffic Management Office of Tanay in the area.

During the inspection, Matta reviewed the deployment of personnel and resources, with the primary goal of preventing similar accidents in the future.

He also spoke with photographers in the Marilaque area, encouraging them to assist authorities in raising awareness about road safety and law enforcement.

Reports revealed that motorcycle riders have been using sections of the highway as a racetrack to test their skills at high speeds, resulting in severe accidents and fatalities.

A crash on 26 January in Barangay Cuyambay, Tanay, was logged as the 13th incident of the year. One of the two riders involved in the race, motovlogger John Louie Arguelles, was killed, while several spectators were injured.

Meanwhile, Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Vigor Mendoza II said he is planning to introduce a road safety refresher course for motorcycle riders and make it mandatory for driver's license applicants to undergo both theoretical and practical exams before being granted a license.

He added that the LTO is currently identifying the individuals or groups responsible for organizing such dangerous exhibitions and that the government will file criminal and administrative charges against those behind the racetracks.