CEBU, Philippines — At least 1,200 motorcycle owners and drivers were tapped by Lapu-Lapu City Police Office under the simultaneous PNP "Clean Rider" campaign.
LCPO director Sr. Supt. Lemuel Obon led the ceremonial tagging of the motorcycles displayed inside the City Sports Complex.
"This is a project of our Chief PNP, who is also a rider. This is our way to address the problem on motorcycle riding criminals and suspects," Obon told reporters.
Police gathered motorcycle riders inside the complex for the tagging or putting of an official PNP sticker on their motorcycle units. The five police stations, including those from Olango Island, helped in the activity which was attended by mostly habal-habal drivers.
The motorcycle riders who has the sticker are considered "clean" which means that they have possessed complete requirements such as a driver's license, official receipt (OR) as well as certificate of registration (CR).
Superintendent Elmer Lim, deputy city director for administration of LCPO, said that the motorcycle drivers will also serve as "eyes and ears" of the police on the ground in its anti-criminality efforts.
"Mao ni atong purpose why we conduct this one. You are there (on the ground) as our eyes and ears. Makatabang sa atoa because we have one intention, the peace and security of the city," Lim said.
Obon also said that motorcycle riders have helped them a lot during the Ironman triathlon race.
"They were one with the covert operatives, kay atong focus naa sa rules," Obon said adding that they also helped traffic personnel in controlling the flow of traffic in the streets.
Those who do not have the sticker and are interested to be part in the campaign can visit the nearest police station.
"Kung asa sila nga under nga station, dad-on nila ang OR (ug) CR, lisensiya para matagaan sila," Obon said. — FPL (FREEMAN)