MOTORCYCLE policemen are no longer allowed to escort the entourage of weddings, funerals and birthdays.

This, as Director General Avelino Razon Jr., National Police chief, ordered all police regional directors to strictly observe the policy on the proper use of police motorcycles to prevent these from being used for unauthorized escort duties and personal purposes such as sending family members to school or offices.

Razon, through the office of Chief Supt. Silverio Alarcio Jr., chief of the Directorate for Operations (DO), has ordered the regional directors to control and supervise the use of motorcycles for these to be used in the implementation of the integrated patrol system with intention to maximize police visibility on the streets to deter criminal elements.

“National Police motorcycles shall be used primarily in patrolling and not merely for escorting dignitaries. These should not be used in weddings, birthdays and funerals as escorts,” said Razon.

He also noted that sometimes, motorcycle riding cops are seen with wife or girlfriend backriding these motorcycles which gives impression to the public that these policemen are using government resources for their personal use.

To prevent the illegal use of National Police motorcycles, Razon ordered all police commanders to remind riders that the motorcycles shall be used only for patrolling purposes to prevent crime and for emergency response during urgent call for police assistance.

Razon said that all escort missions of motorcycle units must conform to Memorandum Circular 2000-003 that stipulates guidelines and policies in rendering mobile and motorcycle escorts to local and foreign dignitaries, as well as military and police personnel.

Among the persons entitled to police motorcycle escorts aside from the President and other high-ranking officials of the land and foreign dignitaries are people needing immediate medical attention or emergency assistance such as victims of accidents, calamities and other similar cases.

Razon also directed police commanders to make sure that the motorcycles assigned to their units have license plates at all times and up to date in registration with the Land Transportation Office. 

Police commanders must see to it also that riders always wear complete uniform with the prescribe crash helmets and that backriders are limited to uniformed personnel designated to perform the same  patrol missions.

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MOTORCYCLE policemen are no longer allowed to escort the entourage of weddings, funerals and birthdays.