28 Nabbed in Illegal Drag Racing Crackdown in Pagadian City

Daphne Santuyo

Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, April 17, 2026 - Authorities arrested 28 individuals during an anti-illegal drag racing operation conducted by the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.

The operation, carried out on April 15 along Airport Road in Barangay Tiguma, stemmed from complaints raised by a barangay official regarding ongoing drag racing activities along Rizal Avenue extending to Airport Road.

In a statement, the PNP-HPG reported that a total of 28 motorcycles were apprehended during the enforcement operation, involving individuals allegedly participating in or linked to the illegal racing activities. The motorcycles were subsequently impounded and brought to the Tiguma Barangay Hall for documentation and verification.

Authorities have yet to release the identities of those arrested as further investigation is ongoing.

Following the operation, Rommel Batangan, acting director of the PNP-HPG, reiterated the agency’s warning against illegal drag racing, citing its dangers to both participants and the public.

“Illegal drag racing poses serious risks to public safety and road users. We will continue to intensify our operations to deter such activities and ensure that our roads remain safe for everyone,” Batangan said.

The PNP-HPG emphasized that operations against illegal racing will continue as part of broader efforts to enforce traffic laws and promote road safety across the region.