At least 150 bicycles were blessed during the send-off ceremony for new Manila Police District (MPD) bike patrollers at the MPD Headquarters in Ermita, Manila, on Wednesday, Feb. 1.
MPD director Police Brigadier Gen. Andre Dizon led the distribution of the mountain bikes, which will be used by the patrollers when watching the public parks, streets, and other populated areas in the city.
"Nagsimula sa 10, naging 20, ngayon 200 bicycles na po ang mayroon ang Manila Police District. Wine-welcome po natin 'yong mga bagong bike patrollers. Welcome to the family (We started with 10, then 20, now Manila Police District has 200 bicycles. Let's welcome the new bike patrollers. Welcome to the family)," the director said.
Dizon noted that the bicycle patrol serves with dual purpose as the cops get to exercise while they are also performing their duties.
He advised the new bike patrollers to take good care of the new bicycles, uniforms, and weapons that were issued to them.
"Mamaya paglabas niyo ng kampo, make sure na naka-insert 'yang mga magazine niyo at you are ready to fight (When you leave the camp later, make sure your magazines are inserted and you are ready to fight)," Dizon said.
"Mula rito, you can go back to your respective police stations on your bike. Mag usap-usap na kayo bago kayo umalis dito kung anong ruta ang iikutan niyo sa kanya-kanyang area niyo, para doon pa lang maipakita na natin sa publiko na nandyan sa paligid nila (From here, you can go back to your respective police stations on your bikes. Talk to each other before you leave here on what route you will take in your respective areas, so we can show the public that we are manning around them)," he remarked.
The director also expressed his gratitude to the new members for their courage to volunteer as bike patrollers.
He added that the patrollers will prioritize monitoring the city's schools, churches, and marketplaces.
MPD said bicycle patrolling has been a regular morning activity to maximize police visibility in the city. It is under the campaign Malasakit, Kaayusan, Kapayapaan, and Kaunlaran” (MKK=K) supported by the initiatives of Seen, Appreciated, and Felt by the people through Extraordinary actions (SAFE) of the National Capital Region Police Office.