15-year-old rider leads cops on Marilaque Highway chase

A 15-year-old rider in Rizal led authorities on a chase along the Marilaque Highway from Baras to Antipolo City for driving without a helmet. 

According to Jun Veneracion’s report in “24 Oras” on Tuesday, the chase ended in Antipolo City where the teenager was caught by law enforcers. 

“Wala siyang dalang helmet. Tatlong motor po ‘yun, actually, itong minor sinabihan siya ng kasama niya na ‘Takbo!’ Kaya itong minor, sumunod naman agad kaya nagkaroon ng habulan,” said Baras Police chief Police Major Roberto Papa. 

(He did not bring any helmet with him. There were actually three motorcycles. We chased ahim because a companion of the minor told him to flee.) 

The teenager was not charged since he is a minor, but his motorcycle was impounded. He is also facing mutiple traffic violations.

“Inimpound din namin ang kanyang motorsiklo and sinampahan din natin ng iba’t-ibang mga violations sa traffic rules,” said Papa. 

(We impounded his motorcycle and filed complaints for violation of traffic rules.)

Failed stunt

Another rider was apprehended for seemingly performing an exhibition on the Marilaque Highway. 

Video shows the rider trying to perform a maneuver while moving in a circle. In one instance his motorcycle fell to the ground. Law enforcers tried to warn him but the rider instead drove away, prompting the cops to chase him. 

The 19-year-old rider was eventually caught and was charged with various violations such as failure to carry his vehicle’s Land Transportation Office Official Receipt and Certificate of Registration (LTO OR/CR), reckless driving, defective and improper accessories, driving an unregistered motorcycle, and unauthorized motorcycle modification.

The suspect was detained, but eventually was allowed to post bail. His motorcycle was also impounded. 

Authorities reminded the public to avoid performing similar stunts on Marilaque after a rider died last January for performing the so-called “superman technique” along a portion of the same highway. 

“Ang Marilaque ay para sa lahat, hindi po ito race track,” said Papa. “Sa mga kamote riders, hindi po kayo open dito sa Marilaque. Makisama kayo, kung magra-ride kayo, mag-ride lang. Wala pong karera or mga exhibition,” he added. 

(The Marilaque should be open to anyone, it’s not a race track. To all irresponsible riders out there, you are not allowed in Marilaque. Please cooperate, so if you want to just ride along, that’s fine. Any race or exhibitions are prohibited there.) — Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News