DUMAGUETE CITY — Hundreds of motorists signed up for the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Clean Rider Campaign during Wednesday’s launching in this provincial capital of Negros Oriental.
PNP provincial director Sr. Supt. Raul Tacaca disclosed at the launching, done simultaneously nationwide, that “the main purpose (of the Clean Rider) is to address criminality perpetrated by riding in tandem suspects.”
Records show that most shooting incidents are staged by suspects on board motorcycles, who managed to flee before authorities arrived at the crime scene, he said.
In the absence of information such as the color or make of motorcycles used in crimes, investigators usually have a hard time identifying the suspects.
Under the Clean Rider campaign, it is hoped that all the motorcycles here are accounted for, including their respective owners to be encoded in the motorcycle riders’ registration database system.
Tacaca also enjoined motorcycle clubs in the city to make their presence felt in the anti-criminality campaign as force multipliers.
It happened several times in Dumaguete that while uniformed PNP personnel were enforcing “Oplan Sita” on foot, a group of motor riders on board big bikes came to assist them in blocking the routes of motorists who refused to be flagged down in the downtown area.
Dumaguete police chief, Superintendent Jonathan Pineda, disclosed that while the Clean Rider campaign is voluntary, it has benefits that outweigh the hassle in submitting the requirements.
When issued the serialized sticker, the driver can go through a checkpoint unless necessary for him or her to be flagged down, he said.
The project is fully-supported by the Highway Patrol Group and the Land Transportation Office-Dumaguete District Office headed by Janine Lawas.
Before the launching, Lawas briefed the police and other stakeholders including motorcycle clubs regarding the mandate of her office. She said when it comes to traffic safety, LTO is no doubt supporting the PNP campaign.
Lawas expressed hope the drive will minimize, if not eliminate the use of improvised and defective mufflers, unauthorized devices such as LED lights, as well as check the roadworthiness of the motorcycle units.
Initially, more than 50 motorcycles and their respective riders in Dumaguete were issued the Clean Rider Sticker after submitting the requirements such as the original receipt, certificate of registration, deed of sale if the name of ownership is not yet transferred, driver’s license, two government-issued identification cards and a fully filled-out Clean Riders application form. (Juancho Gallarde/PNA)
