3 bikes lost in Capitol compound

CEBU, Philippines - The Capitol is now issuing passes for motorcycles entering the Capitol compound following the loss of three motorcycles these past few months.

Acting Governor Agnes Magpale said that she did not issue any memorandum to the Civil Security Services Division of the Capitol but rather asked them to do something to prevent the recurrence of motorcycle thefts inside the Capitol premises.

Accordingly, the lost motorcycles were not parked in the designated motorcycle parking areas.

“We are responsible for all the vehicles parked here,” Magpale said.

A security guard takes charge of the issuance of the pass at the Escario Street entrance and writes down the plate number of the motorcycle. Heading out, the driver of them motorcycle must surrender the motorcycle pass otherwise he will be held for questioning.

A guard said that there were instances before when they noticed when motorcycles were driven out by persons who did not take them in.

Magpale said of the three lost motorcycles, one was government-owned. But CSSD chief Valentino Cruz said the three lost motorcycles were all privately-owned.

Cruz said that the policy of issuing a motorcycle pass has already been in place before the incident happened. He said they lack personnel to do the task but now they have to implement it as a preventive measure.

He added that the policy is only for motorcycles, saying that stolen motorcycles are easy to dispose of and the engine can be used for motorized boats. —(FREEMAN)