Manila: The government has intensified its efforts to go after motorcycle-riding criminals across the country amid the continued scourge posed by these fast-moving felons.
Last year, the Philippine National Police recorded 1,700 crimes involving suspects on motorbikes with 2,089 victims. The figure rose from 1,565 incidents in 2010 with 1,819 victims.
Motorbikes are increasingly the vehicle of choice for criminals because they are relatively easy to acquire or steal, difficult to trace and can outrun cars in cities.
Director-General Nicanor Bartolome has ordered all PNP units to launch aggressive operations against motorcycle-borne criminals.
"Criminal elements have taken advantage of the high-speed mobility provided by motorcycles and have used these efficient vehicles as instruments of crime," Bartolome said.
"Motorcycle-riding gunmen typically work in twos, with one steering the motorbike... and a trigger-man shooting the target.
"This modus has been observed in past assassination incidents involving members of the media as well as government executives."
