By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan

FINISH LINE. Screenshot of two riders colliding before crashing into a concrete barrier in Barangay Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal on Jan. 26, 2025, one of whom later died. The so-called Marilaque (Marikina-Rizal-Laguna-Quezon) Highway is notorious for unregulated high-speed motorcyle races. (Screengrab)

MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Tuesday it would deploy more officers along the Marilaque (Marikina-Rizal-Laguna-Quezon) Highway amid the rising number of fatal accidents in the area, which has become a popular hangout of riders.

PNP Highway Patrol Group (HPG) spokesperson Lt. Dhame Malang, in a press briefing in Camp Crame, Quezon City, said police presence would be heightened at daytime and on weekends when there are more riders.

During Monday’s Senate hearing on the Magna Carta of Commuters and Philippine Transportation Security bills, it was revealed by National Public Transport Coalition president Ariel Lim that several deaths have been reported on the highway, particularly in the Tanay, Rizal section.

Malang said 17 members of their Highway Patrol Team from Rizal would be complemented by those from Laguna and Quezon.

“We are adding personnel, especially in parts where a bulk of riders are seen, especially in Palo Alto, Devil’s Curve and other portions where most riders gather,” he said in Filipino.

He said the HPG is also working with the concerned local government units and the local police to secure the 115-kilometer highway.

A Jan. 26 crash in Barangay Cuyambay, Tanay was the 13th mishap this year, according to reports. One of two riders involved in the race died while spectators were injured.

A group called Motorcycle Rights Organization has been alerting authorities as far back as 2017 on the reckless racing along the highway.

In 2024, PNP-HPG recorded 158 accidents. (PNA)