Talisay cops shift focus to riding-in-tandem

The Talisay City police are intensifying the campaign against criminals riding-in-tandem on motorcycles.

Superintendent Jason Villamater, chief of Talisay police, said they are strictly implementing measures, such as the deployment of motorcycle riding police officers, known as Motorized Anti-Street Crime Operatives (MASCO).

The deployment of MASCO, whose members are required to undergo basic tactical rider's course, is aimed at preventing robberies, carnappings/ carjackings, kidnappings and other crimes perpetrated by motorcycle riding criminals.

The move of the Talisay police came on the heels of the announcement of the Philippine National Police that it would stop all programs related to the anti-illegal drugs campaign. The PNP's Drug Enforcement Group, however, will now be limited to intelligence production and monitoring.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier issued an order, directing the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to be the sole agency responsible for fighting illegal drugs.

Seven personnel from the city police's Drug Enforcement Unit have been reassigned to MASCO.

Villameter, however, said the police officers are using their personal motorcycles and are paying for their gasoline because they don't have enough resources.

Villameter earlier said they still lack the equipment and resources to fight against crimes or to respond to crisis situations.

Mayor Eduardo Gullas said the city government will look for ways to provide gasoline to MASCO members.

"I will give top priority to whatever their requests is. But I will also be expecting positive results," he said.

On top of the gasoline allocation, Gullas also promised to purchase two patrol cars, protective gears, and other equipment for the city police.

Each vehicle costs around P800,000.

Villameter said the equipment and vehicles will be a big help in improving their operations and in reducing the city's crime volume.

Based on police records, there were 213 cases of theft and 108 robberies last year. The figures decreased this year to 110 and 70 cases, respectively.

Records showed that there were 589 index crimes from January to December last year.

Since January this year, police have only recorded 325 index crimes or those crimes against person and property such as murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, and carnapping.