By Princess Haynee B. Pangcatan
MSU Intern
A motorcycle’s roar, tearing through an otherwise peaceful street, might last only seconds. But for many Kagay-anons, that sound lingers longer than it should — as a disturbance, a nuisance, and, in some cases, a physical discomfort.
Under Ordinance No. 4373-94, every vehicle in Cagayan de Oro is required to have a muffler or silencer to reduce engine noise.
Section 502 mandates this for all types of vehicles, while Section 503 outlines penalties: fines between P500 to P1,500, and even imprisonment of up to four months, or both, depending on the court's discretion.
But on the city’s busy streets and open highways, it’s clear not everyone is playing by the rules.
James Agbon, a security guard stationed outside Land Bank, doesn’t mince words when asked how he feels about loud motorcycles.
"Sakit sa tenga, gusto nga namin habulin eh," he says, shaking his head in frustration.
For Jennie Moso, a Grade 11 student, the sound affects her emotionally and physically.
“Sakit siya sa heart, labaw sa dalunggan," she shares. She’s heard about violators getting caught. “Ginapukpok nila ang tambutso,” she says, referring to enforcers destroying illegal exhaust pipes.
At Mighty Motors, a motorcycle repair and parts shop, Manuel, one of the workers, says the price of a muffler depends largely on the motorbike model and brand.
The cheapest ones can go for as low as P500 to P700, while more specialized, higher-end silencers can range from P3,000 to P5,000.
He believes part of the noise problem stems from motorcycle drag racing, especially at night, where riders deliberately modify their exhaust systems to create that distinct, deafening roar.
It’s not just the city that has regulations.
According to the Land Transportation Office Muffler Law, mufflers should not exceed 99 decibels for motorcycles and 115 decibels for cars.
Authorities can confiscate the vehicle, issue fines, or revoke registrations for violators. However, enforcement remains a challenge.
On a regular day, Jonathan, a resident who frequently hears the loud engines near his home, describes it simply: “Disturbance.”
These vehicles are often heard along city highways, where traffic enforcers are less visible and motorcycles speed past, seemingly without consequence.
Despite existing laws, many Kagay-anons continue to suffer from the unregulated noise, with some calling for stricter enforcement and regular patrols, especially in the evenings when the problem worsens.
In a city that values peace and order, the roar of modified motorcycles is more than a minor inconvenience — it’s a call for action.
