The Ilocos Police Regional Office (PRO-1) has received 19 units of light motorcycles and internal security operations equipment from the Philippine National Police (PNP) to further boost its anti-criminality campaign in the region.

In a phone interview on Tuesday, Capt. Karol Elizabeth Baloco, PRO-1 information officer, said they received 19 units of 1500-cc Honda Dirt Bikes — five units each to the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office and La Union Police Provincial Office, six units to the Ilocos Sur Police Provincial Office, and three units to the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office.

“The motorcycles are for the use of the different police stations and primarily for the conduct of operations against motorcycle-riding criminals and those perpetrating street crimes,” she said.

The internal security operations equipment was also divided into the different police provincial offices in the region.

Baloco said this would aid in further deterring criminal activities in the region.

The motorcycles and equipment were turned over to PRO-1 from the PNP national headquarters on Monday.

Crime incidence in the Ilocos Region has decreased by 10 percent in 2022 compared to 2021, or from 9,517 in 2021 to 8,532 in 2022, she said.

“PRO-1 director Brig. Gen. John Chua attributed the decrease to the intensified anti-criminality campaign and increased police visibility as well as the dedication of the policemen and women in the region,” she said.

Baloco said most of the crimes reported in 2022 were theft and rape.

“PRO-1 will adopt the Revitalize PNP Kasimbayanan program wherein the church, with the local government unit, and the police conduct regular dialogue in the community,” she said.

The Oplan Arirang was also launched where police personnel go to crowded areas and give tips on how to prevent theft, she added. (PNA)