‘No helmet’ ordinance in Medina sought

MEDINA, Misamis Oriental ― All motorcycle drivers and their passengers will be required to remove their helmets or anything that could conceal their identities when they are in full stop within the municipality’s jurisdiction, said Vice Mayor Paulo B. Magallanes

Magallanes said the measure will be implemented once town mayor Donato N. Chan signed the proposed ordinance. The Sangguniang Bayan approved the ordinance during its regular session on Monday.

“We did this for the safety of our people, of this town as we experienced a series of criminality in the recent months,” Magallanes said.

He said Medina experienced a series of thieveries, robberies, and even the killing of a construction worker in recent months where most of the suspects were riding motorcycles with helmets on or anything that covers their face.

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“Dili gyud sila mailhan tungod sa helmet ug pagtap tap sa nawong,” Magallanes added.

For his part, Municipal Councilor Kim Michael P. Odchigue, majority floor leader, cited how important the ordinance is for the town.

Odchigue pointed out an incident when a gas station located along the highway was robbed in August. They had difficulty identifying the suspects because they wore helmets while holding the gas station.

“Naa gani CCTV (closed circuit television) ang maong gas station pero wala mapusli kay naka taptap sa nawong ug naka helmet pa gayod ang mga suspek,” said Odchigue.

The Sangguniang Bayan of Medina also approved a proposed ordinance mandating all establishments to install CCTV.