By Rhoda Grace Saron/PNA
DAVAO CITY — Motorcycle riding cops are the new kids on the block, as the police bolsters its effort to further increase visibility and curb crimes and other acts of terrorism here.
This crime-busting initiative was launched by the Police Regional Office (PRO)-11 on Friday night dubbed Police Riders Response, which makes faster mobilization in preventing crimes targeting motorcycle-riding criminals.
The motorcycle riding cops were deployed in the crime-prone areas in the city.
Chief Supt. Marcelo Morales, regional director of PRO-11, on Sunday, said the initiative will increase the chance of detection and arrest of criminals and reduce the fear of crimes among the populace.
“There are many criminals now who exploit the inability of our police officers to chase them through the narrow streets,” Morales said.
“This is why we need more of these motorcycle officers to go after these criminals and patrol on the streets,” he added.
Morales said one of the best benefits of the initiative is strengthening community network.
The motorcycle officers are more visible than those on patrol vehicles, he said.
He said even then mayor, now President Rodrigo Duterte, was even patrolling city streets at night on a big bike. Mayor Sara Duterte also sometimes hits the road in motorcycle.
Morales said the personnel on board the motorcycle are trained in marksmanship and ridership.
According to Morales, motorcycle police patrol has been a long tradition and the reason for this longevity is the diversity and adaptability to current social trends that makes the unit an indispensable and relevant part of any modern law enforcement agency.
Morales noted that many police officers finished Motorcycle Riding Course.
They include Class 2015 (Dragons), 2016 (Vipers), 2017 (Bison) and 2018 (Lycans), KTM Riders Club and Sundays Riders Club, who all showed their support and joined Morales and his team on a city ride.
