PRO-6 boosts bike patrols to offset rising fuel costs

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) is intensifying its bike patrol operations in key areas across Western Visayas as an adaptive response to rising fuel costs.

Brig. Gen. Josefino Ligan, Western Visayas police chief, said the initiative aims to sustain police visibility while promoting cost-efficient and environment-friendly policing.

“We just couldn’t compromise our beat patrol operations — that’s the backbone of our peace and order efforts,” he said.

Under the program, PRO-6 headquarters personnel assigned to administrative functions now conduct bike patrols every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon in lieu of their regular pulisteniks.

Around 50 PRO-6 personnel were initially identified to conduct bike patrols to augment the Iloilo City Police Office’s (ICPO) police visibility in the city.

Other police offices were also directed to implement bike patrolling in their respective areas.

Ligan said the number of bicycles issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP) has yet to be tallied, and most police cyclists are currently using their personal bicycles.

Ligan said bike patrols allow officers to navigate narrow streets and congested areas more effectively, improving response times and community engagement.

The deployment also ensures continuous monitoring of communities, particularly in urban centers, business districts, and high-foot-traffic areas.

Beyond operational benefits, Ligan noted that the initiative doubles as physical exercise, promoting health and wellness among personnel.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to remain responsive and innovative despite operational challenges. By maximizing available resources, we ensure that public safety services are not compromised,” Ligan said.

PRO-6 assured the public that regular mobile and foot patrols remain in place alongside the alternative patrol methods.

The public is encouraged to cooperate with authorities and report suspicious activities to help maintain peace and order across the region.