PNP launches ‘Clean Rider’ campaign to fight crime

PNP Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde places a sticker on a motorcycle to certify that it belongs to a “Clean Rider”, the police force’s campaign against motorcycle-riding suspects. INQUIRER.net / Gabriel Pabico Lalu

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched its nationwide “Clean Rider” campaign in a bid to curb crimes perpetrated by motorcycle-riding suspects (MRS).

“This is a stern move by the PNP to protect the Filipino people, to make our streets safe for the public, and to dismantle organized groups and those motorcycle riding suspects,” said PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde during ceremonies at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila Wednesday morning.

A motorcycle enthusiast himself, Albayalde said the measure would help authorities to prevent criminal activities that use motorcycles.

The PNP chief spoke before some 5,000 riders from different parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Also present were ranking police officials that included Deputy Director General Fernando Mendez Jr., National Capital Region Police Office Director Chief Supt. Guillermo Eleazar, and Highway Patrol Group (HPG) Chief Supt. Roberto Fajardo.

“I am certain that the PNP, as the national law enforcement arm, will always be determined to perform its mandate, amid the great challenges that hamper the strong will and commitment of our organization for a better police service,” he added.

A promotional video produced by the HPG encouraged riders to obtain a Clean Rider sticker by applying for one at police stations in their localities.

A rider will need to submit the official receipt and certificate of registration of his motorcycle, his driver’s license and other valid identification cards. These would then be verified by the PNP.

Meanwhile, the motorcycle will be checked for previous violations and possible record of involvement in criminal activities.  Only motorcycles with correct engine and chassis numbers will be considered.

Once a rider and a vehicle pass scrutiny, they would be given a sticker with security features such as QR codes.

Officers can verify the authenticity of a sticker using a smartphone app that scan the codes and reveal details and information about the rider and the motorcycle.

Albayalde said the stickers would be free of charge and applying for it was voluntary.

“Libre ito, walang bayad.  Kapag merong maningil na pulis kahit singko, bawal ‘yan.  This is our initiative, pondo namin ito. Wala kaming ipapabayad,” he said.

During the ceremony, PNP officials and participants from different rider groups and organizations signed a pledge to support the PNP’s campaign to rid the streets of MRS.

Crime prevention and resolution

Eleazar said that Clean Rider would help solved crime cases in Metro Manila, even as data showed crimes involving MRS – save for physical injury and robbery – already going down significantly.

“We are all aware that the main area of operations of motorcycle-riding suspects, are Metro Manila, and the neighboring regions of PRO (Police Regional Office) 3 and PRO 4-A.  They are said to be responsible for reported shooting and robbery incidents that in effect spread terror to our communities, he explained.

“As expected, such criminal acts have negative impact on both the hearts and minds of the public towards motorcycle riders.  It is a great challenge for us to eliminate that fear in the public’s minds towards motorcycle riders in general,” he added.

NCRPO statistics show 355 MRS-initiated crimes during the first semester of 2018. This is 39 percent lower than the 583 recorded during the same period in 2017.

Shooting incidents went down by 62 percent, theft by 28 percent, carjacking of motorcycles and other vehicles by 20 percent and 77 percent respectively.  However, cases of physical injury rose 37 percent, and robbery by 12 percent. /cbb