Bike patrollers deployed in QC, Camanava

MANILA, Philippines - Bicycle-mounted policemen have been deployed to patrol commercial districts in Quezon City and Camanava.

Instead of driving around in police cars or motorcycles, Quezon City Police District director Senior Superintendent Richard Albano said “bike patrollers” from QCPD Station 7 would be the first to respond to any crime that might occur around Araneta Center in Cubao.

“They’re not there for leisure, but are actually rendering double duty as beat patrollers and tourist policemen,” Albano said. “They can provide assistance to tourists and mall-goers.”

Albano said bike patrollers are clad in short pants, blue police polo shirts and boots to facilitate easy movement. They are also wearing yellow armbands marked “Tourist Police.”

“With these policemen’s friendly appearance, the people would not find it hard to approach them,” he said.

Senior Superintendent Joel Pagdilao, QCPD deputy director for administration, said the deployment of the bike patrollers was meant to strengthen police visibility in business districts.

QCPD Station 7 commander Superintendent Ronnie Montejo said the police officers are deployed from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. to protect people during mall hours.

Meanwhile, eight policemen from the Northern Police District’s public safety battalion were tasked to patrol commercial areas in Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela on bicycles.

“It’s difficult but fun. We can mix work and exercise through biking,” Senior Police Officer 1 John Cabanata, the group’s team leader, said.

Their duty starts from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and they usually go around Monumento and Rizal Avenue where banks, malls and money changer shops are located.