GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Authorities in General Santos City intensified their campaign against illegal street racing after arresting a motorcycle rider during a drag racing crackdown and investigating a separate racing incident that left multiple individuals injured earlier this month.
Personnel of the Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU) of the General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO) apprehended a 22-year-old motorcycle driver during a mobile patrolling operation along Makar–South Cotabato Road in Barangay Apopong on March 14, 2026.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of PLTCOL Patrich A. Elma, chief of the TEU, as part of the city’s continuing efforts to curb illegal drag racing and other dangerous traffic violations.
While conducting routine patrol, TEU personnel noticed a large crowd gathered along the roadside near a funeral establishment. Upon checking the situation, officers discovered that an illegal drag racing activity was underway.
Police immediately intervened to stop the unlawful activity and restore order along the roadway. However, one of the motorcycle drivers refused to comply with the officers’ lawful order to slow down and pull over. Instead, the rider attempted to flee the scene, prompting a brief pursuit by TEU personnel.
The suspect was eventually intercepted and arrested. Authorities said his actions constituted Resistance and Disobedience to a Person in Authority or the Agents of Such Person under Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code.
The arrested rider, identified only as alias “Raffy,” 22, single, and a resident of Purok San Lorenzo in Barangay Apopong, was issued a citation ticket for traffic violations and brought to Police Station 2 of the GSCPO for proper documentation and disposition.
His motorcycle was impounded by the TEU for custody and legal processing, while appropriate charges are set to be filed against him through inquest proceedings at the City Prosecution Office.
Meanwhile, the TEU also took action regarding a separate illegal drag racing incident that went viral on social media and resulted in a road crash along Fil-Am Road near Mina Maternity Clinic in Barangay Fatima on March 8.
According to the investigation, a Suzuki Raider motorcycle allegedly speeding during an illegal drag race crashed into the rear right side of a trisikad while both vehicles were traveling from the direction of Police Station 7 toward Makar-Kiamba Road.
The collision left the motorcycle rider and the trisikad driver injured. The trisikad driver sustained injuries to his right leg, while the motorcycle rider also suffered multiple injuries. Both were rushed to Dr. Jorge P. Royeca Hospital for treatment.
Authorities said the owner of the Suzuki Raider voluntarily surrendered the motorcycle, which was subsequently brought to the TEU impounding area as part of the investigation.
Following a coordination meeting held on March 12 at the TEU Office on Pendatun Avenue in Barangay Dadiangas East, the drivers involved in the crash reached an amicable settlement.
However, the TEU still issued a citation ticket to the Suzuki Raider driver for reckless driving and illegal drag racing, underscoring the serious legal consequences of participating in such dangerous activities.
PLTCOL Elma warned motorists that authorities will continue to strictly enforce traffic laws to prevent further accidents and protect road users.
“Illegal drag racing is not just a violation of the law—it’s a threat to lives. We urge everyone to think twice before risking their safety and the safety of others. TEU will take swift action against anyone who endangers our roads,” Elma said.
He added that the Traffic Enforcement Unit will maintain intensified monitoring and enforcement operations across General Santos City to ensure public safety and discourage illegal street racing.