By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin on Thursday ordered regular police patrol operations to prevent robbers and other criminal elements posing as motorcycle taxi and delivery riders in Metro Manila.
Aberin said they have already coordinated with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and motorcycle taxi companies to conduct operations that will distinguish legitimate from fake motorcycle and delivery riders.
“The NCRPO took this matter seriously as a critical issue of public safety and brand integrity,” said Aberin in a statement.
Aberin said his directive is timely as classes are set to begin on June 16.
He said a targeted operation was conducted on June 6 in some bus terminals in Quezon City, which are usually the hangout places, particularly for motorcycle taxi riders.
“This joint proactive action was made following increasing concerns over unauthorized individuals wearing ride-hailing uniforms to pose as legitimate riders while allegedly engaging in criminal activities such as hold-ups, shootings, and kidnappings,” he said.
He said more targeted operations will be conducted in the coming days.
“This operation is a reflection of our swift and responsive public service, our unity with partner agencies, and our accountability to protect the public from criminal elements who exploit trust and identity,” said Aberin. (PNA)
