Tourist cops to get bikes

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is set to give bicycles to tourist policemen from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) to boost their capability to patrol the streets.

The Western Police District (WPD) welcomed the DOT’s plan, saying that policemen could better patrol streets including narrow alleys using a bike than while on foot or on prowl cars.

"Knowing the skill of snatchers and other criminals, it would be better for our law enforcers to ride a bike so they can easily catch suspects," said Chief Inspector Gerry Agunod, WPD spokesperson.

Although bikes also need maintenance, Agunod said they are easy to maintain compared to motorcycles or cars which need gasoline and periodic changing of oil, among others. Bicycle spare parts are also cheaper.

"Bikes are also environment-friendly and using them is good for the health of our law enforcers," he noted.

The NCRPO, which has jurisdiction over Metro Manila’s five police districts, formed a group of policemen called tourist police to help ensure the safety of local and foreign tourists. According to reports, a number of tourists, mostly foreigners, were victimized by criminals like the Ativan Gang.

At least 1,000 tourist policemen will be deployed in areas frequented by tourists like Malate, Ermita and Intramuros in Manila, and the cities of Caloocan, Quezon City, Mandaluyong and Makati.