Police Maj. Gen. Anthony A. Aberin, director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), has ordered regular patrol operations targeting 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.
On June 6, personnel from the NCRPO, MMDA and JoyRide marshals conducted operations in some bus terminals in Quezon City, which are usually the hangout places of 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,” said Aberin.
“The NCRPO took this matter seriously as a critical issue of public safety and brand integrity,” he added.
Aberin explained that the strategy is timely with the opening of classes on Monday, June 16, which was also deemed as a test of the five-minute police response order of national police chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III.
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.
“The NCRPO remains fully committed to supporting lawful initiatives that promote public safety and to holding accountable those who exploit company uniforms and identities to commit crimes,” he added. (Aaron Recuenco)
