Bike patrol cops: Pedaling against drugs in Mandaluyong

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos leads the launch of police bike patrol in Mandaluyong City to fight illegal drugs. Photo courtesy of the Department of the Interior and Local Government

MANILA, Philippines — As part of the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) s crackdown on illegal drugs, police on bicycles have begun making the rounds of neighborhoods in Mandaluyong City.

In a statement, the DILG said that it has partnered with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Eastern Police District (EPD) to bring the Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) program to the city.

Under this program, the police force in Mandaluyong City has launched the BIDA Bisikleta sa Pamayanan initiative, which consists of police bike patrollers and the city bikers’ groups who signed a pledge of commitment “to solidify their resolve to promote a drug-free and healthier community actively.”

“Through the BIDA Bisikleta, participants will explore different routes within Mandaluyong together with the PNP bike patrollers every week. All participants of all ages are welcome to join the BIDA Bisikleta sa Pamayanan every Saturday,” Abalos said in a statement issued on Tuesday.

“There is a need to bring the message and vision of the BIDA Program down at the grassroots level at itong Bisikleta sa Pamayanan ay isang mahusay na hakbang upang maisagawa ito. I commend the PNP-Mandaluyong City for this project,” he also said.

Last June 17, the agency and the PNP launched the BIDA Bisikleta sa Pamayanan initiative with Eastern Police District Director Brig. Gen. Wilson Asueta, Mandaluyong City Chief of Police Col. Cesar Gerente, Mandaluyong City Sports Director Noel Bernard, and Mandaluyong City Councilor Hon. Reginald Antiojo.

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