TACLOBAN CITY-The Tacloban City Police Office (TCPO) received 12 new motorcycles from two Chinese-Filipino business organizations on Monday, June 1, in a move aimed at enhancing police mobility, increasing visibility, and improving response capabilities across the city.
The motorcycles were donated by the Tacloban Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (TFCCCII) and the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) during a turnover ceremony held at the TCPO headquarters.
The donation underscores the continuing partnership between the local business community and law enforcement authorities in promoting public safety and maintaining peace and order in Tacloban.
TCPO City Director Col. Noelito Getigan expressed gratitude to the donor groups, saying the additional vehicles would significantly support police operations and strengthen law enforcement efforts throughout the city.
“These motorcycles will greatly help our personnel in carrying out their duties and responsibilities in ensuring peace and order in Tacloban City,” Getigan said.
He added that the donation reflects the confidence and support of the business sector in the Philippine National Police’s mission to safeguard communities.
“This also symbolizes the trust and support of the business community in our mission of maintaining peace and order and ensuring public safety,” he said.
TFCCCII president Johnny Go said the business groups believe that increasing police mobility would lead to greater visibility on the streets, which could help deter criminal activities.
“Visibility is prevention,” Go said, emphasizing the importance of a visible police presence in discouraging crime.
Meanwhile, FFCCCII vice president Jimmy Yaokasin said the motorcycles would help police respond more quickly to incidents and contribute to reducing crime rates in the city.
“These donated motorcycles will help ensure a quicker response to crime incidents. One of the reasons why we decided to donate them is to help increase police visibility,” Yaokasin said.
Yaokasin, a former Tacloban City administrator and president of Toyota Tacloban, also said the donor organizations would initially shoulder the maintenance of the motorcycles for several months before the responsibility is transferred to the TCPO through its maintenance and operating expenses budget.
The motorcycle donation is expected to enhance the mobility of police personnel, particularly in areas that require rapid deployment and regular patrols, further strengthening the city’s peace and security initiatives.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
