BCPO: MOTORBIKE BARRIERS NO LONGER COMPULSORY FOR RIDERS LIVING IN THE SAME ROOF

BUTUAN CITY - Riders in the city don't need to attach barriers to their motorbikes, but wearing a full-faced helmet is mandatory even for back riders effective August 20, Thursday, said the spokesperson in Butuan City Police Office Police Lieutenant Abel Bulawan.

According to PLt. Bulawan, BCPO is already enforcing the new protocol following the mandate from the national heads, though their office has yet to receive the directives from the local government.

Motorcycle riders can have back rider without the barrier, but both need to present proof of having the same address, such as identification card, to avoid being cited for violating the rules.

Under the protocol approved by the National Task Force on COVID-19, riders are allowed to take back rider living in a different house given that he/she is an Authorized Person Outside Residence (APOR) but with the use of the barrier.

PLt. Bulawan further said that the police forces would immediately issue a ticket for a violation to riders once caught breaking the rules.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson in Butuan City PIO Michiko De Jesus said they are still waiting for the memorandum from the national before enforcing the 'barrier no longer required' rule. However, the spokesperson further clarified that BCPO is also authorized to implement the new guidelines.