CARMEN, North Cotabato — Police authorities here have impounded more than 200 motorbikes with spurious documents in a campaign dubbed as “Oplan Lambat Bitag” in this municipality.
Chief Insp. Julius Malcontento, local police chief, on Saturday said the campaign was primarily aimed to curb criminality by motorbike-riding gunmen.
Local policemen and North Cotabato Highway Patrol Group personnel positioned at the periphery the whole day Friday and checked all incoming and outgoing vehicles from the Poblacion area.
The result: more than 200 motorbikes with expired registration and for driving with expired license were impounded.
“This is one of the best practices of North Cotabato police and we are implementing it religiously and relentless,” Malcontento told the Philippine News Agency in a phone interview.
Malcontento disclosed that more than 40 pedicabs were also impounded in this town and in nearby Kabacan municipality for operating without franchise.
He said that penalties would be slapped against owners and drivers of vehicles operating without franchise and license as well as other documentary requirements.
He said probers are looking into the possible involvement of the impounded vehicles in the commission of crimes in this town and in nearby municipalities.
This municipality is often used by lawless elements as escape route since it is the province’ last town in the border with Bukidnon.
“We should always be one step ahead of them (lawless elements) as preventive measure,” Malcontento added.
He said said the campaign against undocumented vehicles in this town would continue as they have the support of local officials and residents.
The campaign is also backed by the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
Last week, more than 80 motor vehicles were also impounded through the implementation of the Oplan Lambat Bitag. (Edwin Fernandez/PNA)
