The Philippine National Police (PNP) revealed that almost 200 vehicles being used personally by cops were unregistered, had no license plates or certificates of registration.
In a report by The STAR, a total of 198 vehicles parked in the regional and district camps of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) were cited for violations in relation with the PNP’s crackdown on police officers using stolen vehicles recovered in operations.
According to NCRPO chief Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas, police officers purchase stolen vehicles because they are more affordable compared to buying brand new models.
In a press conference, Sinas said that stolen motorcycles would be sold for only P3,000 to P10,000.
“Policemen probably think they wouldn’t be apprehended. Some even transact for these while in uniform,” Sinas said.
PNP’s program dubbed as ‘Oplan Viserion’ would be randomly implemented in several camps, offices and premises of the NCRPO.
Shortly after the flag-raising ceremony on Monday, NCRPO’s Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City was placed on lockdown as inspectors began checking the vehicles inside the area. The five police districts of NCRPO were also subjected to the same protocol.
The STAR reported that 58 vehicles were cited for violations in Camp Bagong Diwa; 18 in the Northern Police District; 16 in the Eastern PD; seven in Manila PD; 73 in the Southern PD; and 13 in the Quezon City PD.
All police officers and civilian drivers with violations were issued citation tickets. The NCRPO said personnel cited for violations would face administrative charges. – Neil Jayson Servallos
