Kalinga moves to slam brakes on illegal drag racing with province-wide ordinance

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — A province-wide ordinance banning illegal drag racing is being pushed in Kalinga as authorities seek to curb the growing number of unauthorized street races that endanger motorists, pedestrians, and other road users.

Illegal drag racing has reportedly become increasingly common on public roads and highways across the province, posing serious risks to public safety.

In Tabuk City alone, groups of young people—many of them reportedly students—have allegedly been seen racing motorcycles along public roads. Some are also reportedly riding without driver's licenses and using modified motorcycles that produce excessive noise.

The growing concern prompted the Provincial Advisory Group for Police Transformation and Development (PAGPTD) to seek the enactment of a province-wide ordinance to address the illegal activity.

Through Resolution No. 011, Series of 2026, PAGPTD formally urged the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Kalinga to enact a uniform ordinance prohibiting illegal drag racing throughout the province.

The proposed measure seeks to establish a single set of prohibitions, penalties, and enforcement procedures to address the dangers posed by unauthorized street racing.

According to PAGPTD, a uniform policy is necessary because illegal drag racing has become a recurring problem on roads and highways across Kalinga, exposing participants and innocent motorists to crashes, injuries, fatalities, and property damage.

"...illegal drag racing activities have become a growing concern on various roads and highways within the province, creating risks to public safety and disrupting peace and order... These activities pose threats of serious accidents, injuries, fatalities, and property damage, and encourage reckless driving behavior," part of the resolution reads.

Uniform rules proposed

Instead of having different approaches among local government units, the proposed ordinance seeks to establish a uniform policy for preventing and penalizing illegal drag racing across Kalinga.

Among the proposed measures are the prohibition of drag racing on national, provincial, and municipal roads, standardized penalties for violators, vehicle impoundment procedures, and stronger coordination among local government units and law enforcement agencies.

The proposal also includes information and education campaigns aimed at discouraging the public—particularly young motorists—from participating in unauthorized road races.

Uniform enforcement guidelines are likewise being proposed to ensure consistent implementation throughout the province.

The resolution was unanimously approved and adopted on April 29, 2026, during a joint meeting of the PAGPTD and the Technical Working Group of the Kalinga Police Provincial Office (PPO).

The meeting was attended by representatives from the Highway Patrol Group (HPG), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Public Order and Safety Office (POSO), and selected barangay officials from Tabuk City.

The measure was signed by PAGPTD Chairperson Engr. Camille Ngao-i and members Geronimo Donaal, Francisco Gamatero, Therese Grail Lawagan, Manny Dimnang, Dr. John Venus Jr., Ptr. Gerald Tollino, Armie Ceecee Socalo, Clark Ernie Gallema, Atty. Gertrude Joy Gammonac, and Atty. Joshua Tuguic.

The resolution was later endorsed to the Office of Governor James S. Edduba, which forwarded it to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for appropriate legislative action.

The proposal is expected to be deliberated by the provincial board, headed by Vice Governor Dave Q. Odiem, during one of its upcoming sessions.

If approved, the ordinance will establish a province-wide framework governing the prohibition of illegal drag racing, the imposition of penalties, vehicle impoundment, inter-agency coordination, public awareness campaigns, and enforcement procedures.