The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper
Cotabato wants all motorbikes registered
COTABATO CITY – Local Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-sayadi has proposed an ordinance that would make it mandatory for all motorcycle owners to register their vehicle in an effort to curb criminality following the spate of gun attacks here perpetrated by criminals riding on motorbikes.
Sayadi announced this during a meeting conducted by the City Peace and Order Council Meeting held at Estosan Hotel. The proposal is one of many suggestions on how to deal with criminals.
With this proposal, the City Council is likely to pass an ordinance that will oblige owners of motorcycles, including those from other areas coming to Cotabato to secure a permit and register them with the Public Safety Office which would be created after the ordinance is passed and becomes a law.
Vice Mayor Graham Nazer Dumama said they are supporting the mayor’s proposal as long as this does not violate the civil rights of motorists and that will benefit the public as far as security is concerned. Dumama said the economy will grow and tourism industry benefits if the peace and order situation also improve.
The mayor also appealed to the public to help authorities maintain peace and order here and urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons in their community. She said police and military were doing their best in securing Cotabato from lawless elements following the spate of attacks perpetrated by motorcycle gunmen.
She also urged village chieftains to help maintain peace and security in their areas and for watchmen to actively patrol villages. She said that an oversight committee was organized to effectively monitor the Barangay Anti-drug Abuse Council in the city.