Motorcycles up for city cops

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City policemen will soon acquire motorcycles from the city government to boost efficiency in carrying out their duties, specifically in their drive against crimes.

Vice Mayor Michael Rama explained that the motorcycles are the best vehicles for the police because its “movement could not be hampered by the traffic congestions, particularly in busy roads.”

Also, a number of crimes here in the city were perpetrated by motorcycle-riding men or those reported “riding in tandem”.

But while the City Council is planning to provide the policemen with motorcycles to aid them in patrolling the city, some of the city councilors reminded the police officers to always comply with the provision of the law that requires them to wear crash helmets.

 When Rogelio Osmeña was still the chairman of the Committee on Police, Fire and Penology of the City Council, policemen in Cebu City are afraid to drive motorcycles sans helmet because once caught, their P1,000 City Hall monthly incentives are cancelled.

The Cebu City Police Office has already created a team called “Task Force Motorcycle” composed of policemen and civilian volunteers assigned with the Theft and Robbery Section under Senior Insp. Michael Anthony Bastes. Several months after the task force was formed, police officials in nearby cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu were reported to have also contemplated on replicating the move.

Some officials assigned in police stations strategically situated in various parts of the city are clamoring for assistance from the city because they lack transportation equipment that could be used for patrols.

“Daghan namong mga polis mogamit na lang sa among private motorcycles pagpatrolya. Usahay hatagan mi og gasolina, pero usahay sab, wala,” a city cop told The FREEMAN. — Rene U. Borromeo/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)