PNP eyes ‘patrol tricycles’ in anti-crime drive

PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Generoso Cerbo Jr. INQUIRER.NET FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine National Police said it is looking at purchasing tricycles as part of its long-term plans for the organization in a bid to enhance police presence in provinces, its spokesman said.

A prototype design has been made for what is to be called the Patrol Tricycle—a vehicle that is aimed at enhancing police mobility, similar to how existing PNP patrol cars are being used, Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr. said, citing outputs from a five-hour “special meeting” in Camp Crame Tuesday among high-ranking PNP officials, as presided by Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II.

The Patrol Tricycle started on December 21, 2012 when the Region 12 police office requested for the procurement of 16 units of the tricycle that seeks to “develop a cost-effective alternative motor vehicle that could fill the gap between resources that are available versus the needs of the police station.”

PRO 12 argued that small police stations must have at least three patrol vehicles to be effective, noting several considerable advantages compared to four-wheeled vehicles such as its lower cost, fuel efficiency, and its ability to go through areas with narrow roads, among others.

“Kung ating babalikan, may bike patrols tayo. Ito ay bagay din sa mga lugar na imbes na naglalakad ka, mas magandang nag ba-bike. Mas malaki maco-cover mo . . . So in terms of police presence, ma-maximize natin,” Cerbo said, adding that Roxas seemed to have welcomed the proposal.

The information on how many units will be procured in case the proposal materializes, is however, not immediately available.

He said PNP may seek funding from the Department of Budget.

But the procurement of Patrol Tricycles is just among PNP’s long term plans.

Cerbo said the meeting also included review of other resources that PNP needs for it to be “capable, effective and credible” such as communication equipment, infrastructure, and other matters concerning PNP personnel.

“Pero ang nililinaw ko dito is at this stage, mga proposal [yan]. Siguro kapag na-approve na ito at talagang may budget na ilalaan para dito, the secretary himself would be very proud na s’ya mismo ang magsabi nito,” Cerbo said, but noted that the meeting was somewhat like a conference to “finalize” results of the discussion on the proposals.

“Parang pini-present na lang sa kanya ang final output,” Cerbo said.

He said Roxas is willing to accept new ideas “as long as it can help enhance the quality of police service.”