DAVAO CITY – Motorcycle cops are the new kids on the block in Davao City as police bolster its effort to further increase visibility and curb crimes and other acts of terrorism here.

This crime-busting initiative was launched by the Police Regional Office (PRO)-11 dubbed Police Riders Response, which makes faster mobilization in preventing crimes targeting motorcycle-riding criminals. The motorcycle cops were deployed in crime-prone areas here.

Chief Supt. Marcelo Morales, police regional director, said the initiative will increase the chance of detection and arrest of criminals and reduce the fear of crimes among the populace. “There are many criminals now who exploit the inability of our police officers to chase them through the narrow streets and this is why we need more of these motorcycle officers to go after these criminals and patrol on the streets,” he said.

Morales said one of the best benefits of the initiative is strengthening community network. The motorcycle officers are more visible than those on patrol vehicles, he said, adding, that even then mayor, now President Rodrigo Duterte, was patrolling city streets at night Mayor Sara Duterte also sometimes hits the road on motorcycle, he said.

Morales said the motorcycle cops are all trained in marksmanship. Motorcycle police patrol has been a long tradition and the reason for this longevity is the diversity and adaptability to current social trends that makes the unit an indispensable and relevant part of any modern law enforcement agency. Morales noted that many police officers finished motorcycle riding course.

They include Class 2015 (Dragons), 2016 (Vipers), 2017 (Bison) and 2018 (Lycans), KTM Riders Club and Sundays Riders Club, who all showed their support and joined Morales and his team on a city ride. (Rhoda Grace Saron)

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