Marikina deploys biker cops at river park

The Marikina City police has activated its bike patrol unit to protect joggers and other people who enjoy the city’s river park from criminals this Christmas season.

City police chief Superintendent Sotero Ramos Jr. said the police bikers will patrol the river park on a 24-hour basis. The park stretches through 11 barangays: Nangka, Tumana, Malanday, Sto. Nino, Sta. Elena, San Roque, Calumpang, Dela Pena, Tanong, Barangka, and IVC.

Ramos said motor vehicles are prohibited in the park.

Marikina City Mayor Maria Lourdes Fernando will donate four mountain bikes and complete uniforms to the local police in today’s traditional flag-raising ceremony at the City Hall.

City health officer Dr. Alberto Herrera will assist Fernando in turning over the donations to Ramos.

Earlier, the World Health Organization granted $6,000 seed money to Marikina in 2002 for it to serve as the pilot city in the WHO’s Tourism in Healthy Cities program.

A technical working group organized for the project recommended that a police biker patrol be created to take care of the peace and order situation in the Marikina River Park.

The City Health Office, which was in charge of the implementation of the WHO project, was tasked to provide the police biker’s uniform, helmets and bikes for policemen assigned in the area.

Ramos said the deployment of the bike patrol was also aimed to maintain a zero crime rate in the 11 barangays covered by the park. – Non Alquitran