WPD patrols get big boost

The Western Police District (WPD) will hopefully catch more criminals who run into alleys and side streets with the acquisition of 50 motorcycles from National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).

"The 50 brand new motorcycles will certainly boost our patrol and crime-fighting capability, apart from giving much-needed rest to our prowl cars," WPD chief Senior Superintendent Pedro Bulaong said.

Bulaong pointed out that the motorcycles can be used by policemen in going after criminals who run into alleys and side streets that may be too narrow for prowl cars to enter.

The WPD chief also noted that motorcycles are slightly more powerful and agile than the scooters now being used by some police officers to patrol the narrow streets of the city.

Bulaong said he will ask NCRPO technical experts to provide motorcycle operations training for the WPD Mobile Patrol Division. "The course will include motorcycle maneuvering and how to accurately fire a weapon while riding a speeding motorbike."

Bulaong further explained that the motorcycle-riding patrolmen would be deployed mostly in crime-prone areas like as C.M. Recto, Quiapo, University Belt, Divisoria, Sta. Cruz, Chinatown district in Binondo, Malate and Ermita. – Cecille Suerte Felipe