PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Monday said 700 new motorcycles will be distributed to various police units this month to boost security in key tourist destinations.
Nartatez said the additional bikes would strengthen mobility, particularly in high-traffic tourism areas, and support the possible expansion of tourist police units.
“For this month of March, we will be beefing up the mobility capability of our units with the issuance or distribution of 700 motorcycles. We will be targeting our tourist areas,” he said during a press briefing at Camp Crame, adding that the motorcycles must be properly utilized to avoid waste.
Under Section 110 of Republic Act No. 9593, or the Tourism Act of 2009, the PNP is mandated to establish security forces and police assistance desks in areas with high tourist traffic.
The law also directs the Department of Tourism to coordinate with the Department of the Interior and Local Government in training PNP personnel on cultural sensitivity, languages, and relevant laws.
