GENERAL SANTOS CITY–The Police Regional Office (PRO)-12 has emerged as one of the most efficient among the country’s regional police offices in resolving cases of “riding-in-tandem killings” since last year, an official said.
Chief Supt. Marcelo Morales, Region 12 police director, said Thursday the region’s police units achieved a combined efficiency rating of 64 percent, topping the latest assessment conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP) central office.
From Oct. 11 to May 14, he said they recorded a total of 86 cases of murder cases in the region that were perpetrated by motorcycle-riding suspects, the fourth highest among the country’s 17 regions.
But the police official was quick to point out that 66 of these cases have been solved, the suspects having been identified and charged in local courts.
“Although we are fourth on the list for the number of riding-in-tandem killings, it turned out that we’re the most efficient in terms of solving these cases,” Morales said in a statement.
He attributed such accomplishment to the intensified conduct of operation plans or Oplans Sita, Bitag and Salikop, as well as the conduct of random checkpoints along national highways and other strategic roads in the region.
Morales cited the efforts of the Highway Patrol Group-12 and the enhanced intelligence operations of local police units against motorcycle-riding criminals.
He said the roads and highways in the area have even become safer for local residents.
The official assured that there will be no let-up in their campaign against motorcycle riding-in-tandem criminals, especially suspected hired killers or assassins.
“I have clearly instructed my men to shoot any riding-in-tandem suspect and criminals who will evade checkpoints or resist arrest,” he said.
He also ordered police personnel to be always prompt in responding to killings and related incidents in the streets and highways. (PNA)
