Police in the tourist town of Puerto Galera have confiscated 21 illegal motorcycle mufflers in a crackdown intended at reducing noise pollution in this popular beach destination.

The operation, led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Romeo L. Plaida Jr., the Officer-in-Charge of Puerto Galera Municipal Police Station, targeted various barangays following complaints from local residents about excessive noise from modified exhaust systems.

“We will continue our intensified patrols, checkpoints, and police visibility on our streets to address this issue,” Plaida said, adding that the operations were conducted in coordination with residents.

Authorities warned that violators could face charges under Article 4, Section 34 of Republic Act 4136, also known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, which regulates vehicle modifications.

The crackdown comes as Puerto Galera, a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve, struggles to balance tourism development with quality of life for its residents.

Police have urged motorcycle owners to revert to stock mufflers and have set up hotlines for residents to report violations.