Metro cops to conduct 24-hour checkpoints

MANILA, Philippines–Amid the rising number of victims falling prey to motorcycle-riding criminals, the National Capital Region Police Office directed on Thursday all district police directors to conduct round-the-clock checkpoints in all Metro Manila entry points.

Police Director Carmelo Valmoria, NCRPO chief, ordered all district directors to form three teams for every city police office to man checkpoints in their areas of responsibility to intensify NCRPO’s anti-criminality campaign.

Although there was no specific date given by the NCRPO, Valmoria said in a text message to INQUIRER.net that the 24-hour checkpoint would be implemented “within this week.”

He also sought for the understanding of the public as policemen manning checkpoints will tighten inspection on motorists boarding motorcycles.

On Thursday, a string of holdup incidents occurred in Quezon City in which both suspects were on board motorcycles. Most crimes and killings in Metro Manila and in the provinces were  perpetrated by motorcycle-riding armed men.

Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II found the incidents “alarming” as he admitted that reducing crimes committed by crooks on board motorcycles would not be that easy.

“We cannot enforce a regulation banning motorists riding in tandem. Dahil sa bawat isang masamang tandem, marami naman ang lehitimo na
nakasakay lang sa motor. Hindi rin natin pwede ipagbawal ang paggamit ng helmet dahil para sa safety ito,” he said.