Biker cops to patrol Manila's night markets

MANILA, Philippines - Manila’s uniformed policemen will use motorcycles to patrol the city’s night markets in Divisoria and Quiapo, an official said yesterday.

“The sight of uniformed policemen patrolling the streets will deter the commission of crimes. These cops will also be visible around churches in the city to secure devotees of the Midnight Mass,” Superintendent Nelson Yabut, chief of the District Public Safety Battalion of the Manila Police District (MPD), told The STAR.

He said the scheme was proven effective as the MPD recorded zero crimes on night markets and the observance of dawn Mass for the past days.

However, there were complaints from commuters and motorists of undisciplined vendors who obstruct the flow of traffic in Divisoria.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim has warned the MPD’s 11 police station commanders of his strike-one policy for those whose area of jurisdiction will be documented as having undisciplined vendors.

Lim said vendors who are allowed to peddle their wares on designated sidewalks must not exceed the prescribed one-by-one meter stall size, without any siding or roofs of any form.