CEBU CITY — As part of its security preparations for the Holy Week, the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) officially launched its “Bisikleta Iglesia 2018” program on Tuesday.
City Police Director, Senior Supt. Joel Doria, said “Bisikleta Iglesia” is aimed at ensuring the safety of the populace and maintain police visibility in the churches and other places where people are expected to converge during the Holy Week.
“The thing about bicycle is its speed,” Doria said. “If we walk, we will take so much time and cover less space. If we patrol with vehicles, we will be too fast and not see what’s happening in the streets. But if we pedal our bikes, we will have enough speed to cover large spaces and allow us to see the things happening around us.”
“This will also allow us to have some fun while doing our job of keeping the people safe,” added Doria, who also instructed the bicycle-riding CCPO personnel to distribute leaflets and flyers containing safety tips.
The “Bisikleta Iglesia” team, led by Senior Inspector Jovito Labra, is composed of uniformed police officers and civilian volunteers who will conduct patrol operations and promote peace and order around the city.
Doria and some CCPO personnel also went to the Cebu South Bus Terminal to hand out leaflets and foldable hand fans printed with the mugshots of the ten most wanted personalities in Central Visayas.
The 10 people, whose mugshots appear on the fans, are wanted for murder, rebellion, rape, arson, illegal possession of firearms, illegal drugs, robbery, and homicide.
“Bisikleta Iglesia” was initiated by Police Regional Office – Central Visayas (PRO-7) Director Chief Supt. Robert Quenery.
Quenery also ordered the deployment of 1,300 PRO-7 personnel to secure the churches and tourist destinations in the region for the Holy Week and summer vacation.
Members of the Cebu Provincial Police Office, meanwhile, were also deployed to help security personnel in checking the baggage and cargoes of travelers at the South and North bus terminals in the city.
Security of both terminals has been heightened since Monday as city residents are expected to spend their long vacation in their respective hometowns in Cebu Province and neighboring Negros Oriental and Occidental. (Luel Galarpe/PNA)
