CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Motorcycle owners from Pampanga recently signed up for the Philippine National Police's (PNP) simultaneous nationwide campaign called "Clean Rider" at the Bale Katimawan Freedom Hall of Pampanga Police Provincial Office (PPO) here.
The campaign itself provides motorcycle users free, authorized "Clean Rider" stickers with serial numbers, which are the PNP official passes for licensed motorcycle users, who will all pass through certain police checkpoints.
In order to become a part of the "Clean Rider" community, motorists are required to bring legal documents such as original receipt or registration certificate of the motorcycle, deed of sale, driver's license, government issued identification cards, and filled-up Clean Rider application form to their nearest police stations.
Police Regional Office (PRO)-Central Luzon Deputy Regional Director for Administration and Police Superintendent Christopher Tambungan delivered a message in behalf of Police Director General Oscar David Albayalde who said that the operation mainly underscores the total elimination of crimes committed by motorcycle riding suspects.
"We want to eliminate unroad-worthy motorcycles, impound stolen motorcycles, and ensure the safety of motorcycle riders. This is a good cause that we have been envisioning for years," Albayalde said in his statement.
Albayalde expressed that the campaign is a stern move of the PNP to protect Filipino people from criminals, to make every street safe for the public, and to dismantle organized groups, and those motorcycle riding suspects.
"Also on our part, the PNP will always be on high alert to address road-related offenses and concerns as part of effective enforcement of our traffic law," Albayalde added.
The project will be known as the Anti-Riding in Tandem (RIT), and will be adopted by the Pampanga PPO to boost crime prevention, to ensure each constituent's safety, and to sustain economic development all over the province.
Curbing tandem rider crimes
According to PRO-Central Luzon Director Chief Superintendent Amador Corpus, the "Clean Riders" campaign is designed to curb crimes perpretrated by motorcycle riding suspects, which have been noted as one of the most common strategy used by criminals nowadays.
Just like the "Oplan Clean Rider Alpha" campaign launched in the region earlier this year, "Clean Riders" will also seek to enlist all motorcycle owners in the region through registration and availment of stickers that will be tagged on their respective motorcycles.
When the motorcycle is flagged down during checkpoints, officers can verify the authenticity of a sticker using a smartphone app that scans the codes and reveal details and information about the rider and the motorcycle.
"I am sure that it will lessen carnapping of motorcycles because the real owners are identified and I enjoin our community to continuously participate in our campaign against all forms of criminality," Corpus said.
He added that the dynamic support showcased by thousands of motorcycle owners and enthusiasts during the launching will help in attaining the common endeavor of preserving peace and order in the entire Central Luzon. (With reports from Princess Clea Arcellaz)
