Motorbike-riding robbers on the rise – MPD

There has been an alarming increase in the number and frequency of crimes perpetrated by motorcycle-riding suspects in the last two years in Manila, according to a report prepared by the city’s police force.

The report, submitted to Manila Police District (MPD) director Senior Superintendent Danilo Abarzosa, was obtained by The STAR.

It details the modus operandi of the motorcycle-riding suspects and discusses plans and recommendations to neutralize these crime gangs.

The alarming incidents also compelled Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim to propose banning motoryclists riding in tandem in the city following the upsurge of robberies and killings committed by motorcycle-riding suspects.

Lim has asked his legal officers and the city council to study “whether my proposal will not violate human rights, and enact a city ordinance if it is within legal parameters of the law.”

In the last two years there was an alarming increase in criminals who use motorcycles to commit robbery, hijacking, murder and homicide, a report prepared by Chief Inspector Dominador Arevalo Jr., chief of the MPD’s theft and robbery section, stated. There was no figure stated for the number of crimes committed by motorcyle-riding men in the last two years.

The report stated that criminals preferred motorcycles due to their mobility and availability. A motorcycle can be easily maneuvered in heavy traffic, and is sold at low prices. Records show that most of the recovered motorcycles used in crimes were stolen.

Sixteen crimes perpetrated by armed men riding in tandem on motorcycles were recorded since January this year. The figure only reflects those reported to the police headquarters. There was no comparative statistics for the crimes committed for the same period last year.

Most of the victims were robbed either on the way to the bank or after withdrawing huge sums of money. Most of the incidents were committed during daytime. The report stated that the criminals had conducted prior surveillance of the target areas to avoid confrontation with the police.

Investigators also admit having a hard time identifying these criminals due to the absence of witnesses, who are either reluctant to cooperate or have failed to notice the plate numbers of get-away motorcycles.

Arevalo has recommended that the “no plate no travel” policy be strictly applied to motorcycle riders. He also called for the enforcement of existing city ordinances or laws that may be applied to prohibit riding in tandem. Most crimes were perpetrated by two persons riding in tandem on motorcycles, Arevalo noted.