The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced Monday a plan to expand its campaign against motorcycles with open pipes and illegally modified mufflers across the country, citing concerns over public safety and noise pollution.

Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) and all regional police offices to strictly and uniformly enforce existing laws and local ordinances regarding vehicle modifications.

Nartatez said the expansion aims to ensure road discipline is applied consistently across all regions, rather than selectively.

“We are looking at a broader and more coordinated implementation across the country,” Nartatez said. “Our goal is not to immediately make arrests. We want to encourage compliance and help riders understand that vehicle modifications are regulated by law.”

The national directive follows a localized crackdown by the National Capital Region Police Office during the New Year’s holiday, which targeted loud exhausts to maintain order in residential neighborhoods.

In one recent “Oplan Sita” operation in Barangay Pinagsama, Taguig, local police cited 15 riders for various violations, including five specifically for illegal exhaust systems.

Nartatez stressed that excessive noise from open pipes is a public order issue that affects hospitals, schools and residential communities. However, he clarified that the policy is not intended to be “anti-rider,” citing that many Filipinos rely on motorcycles for their livelihood.

“We understand the sentiments of motorcycle riders,” Nartatez said. “This is not an anti-rider policy. What we want is safe, legal and responsible riding.”

The PNP said it will coordinate with local government units and launch information campaigns before fully implementing the nationwide enforcement.