Biking cops deployed in South Cotabato

KORONADAL CITY, SOUTH COTABATO, Philippines — About 150 police bikers have been deployed to patrol urban centers in South Cotabato province amid logistical strains triggered by skyrocketing fuel prices due to the recent crisis in the Middle East.

Police Col. Samuel Cadungon, South Cotabato police director, led the launch on Monday of the Bicycle Integrated Kinetic Enforcement (BIKE) Patrol at the provincial police command here.

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In a statement, Cadungon said the program “ensures cost-efficient and continuous police presence amid rising fuel costs while reinforcing the police command’s commitment to proactive, community-centered policing.” —BONG S. SARMIENTO