CEBU - The motorcycle-related crimes outside Cebu City mostly involved robbery, according to records of the Cebu Provincial Police Office.
CPPO Director Carmelo Valmoria said that of the 118 motorcycle-related crimes from January to September this year, 71 motorcycles were used to carry out the crimes.
Of the 118 recorded incidents, 34 involved shooting while 11 involved snatching. The rest involved robbery. The police, however, only arrested 34 suspects and filed 23 cases.
Valmoria admitted that motorcycles are convenient means for robbers to carry out their plans, especially to snatch mobile phones. Most gunmen even use motorcycles as escape vehicles.
Most motorcycle-related incidents in the province were reportedly carried out between 6pm to 9pm. Shooting incidents with motorcycle-riding suspects specifically happened from 9pm to 12 midnight.Consolacion to Carmen in the north and Talisay City to Argao in the south appeared as crime-prone areas.
The month of June was also recorded the highest number of motorcycle- related crimes with 19 incidents. Police anticipate that crimes would once regain momentum during holidays from the observance of the Todos Los Santos up to the peak of the Christmas season in December.
Valmoria urged the motorcycle-riding public to be more patient with the random checkpoints being implemented by the police. This reportedly would prevent the occurrence of such crimes.
The “Task Force Group Cebu Motorsiklo” headed by P/Supt. Erson Digal, is the province’s version of “Task Force Motorsiklo” tasked to check the motorcycle’s documents and if the drivers and passengers are wearing helmets.
CPPO already conducted 2,172 checkpoints from January to September this year. — Ferliza C. Contratista/JMO (THE FREEMAN)