by Jemin B. Guillermo

Roxas City (29 July) -- A composite team has been organized to track down the rising robbery and carnapping incidents in Capiz.

Capiz Police Provincial Office Information Officer Donna Asmod disclosed that with the increasing number of robbery and carnapping incidents here, PNP Provincial director has ordered the creation of "Task Group Pag-ulikid."

The Task Group, which is in close tandem with the personnel from the Land Transportation Office, is headed by Police Superintendent Arnold Ardiente who is also the Deputy Provincial Director for Operation, Asmod said.

She said that part of the activities of said Task Group is the conduct of series of checkpoint operations in the streets and highways of Roxas City including the different towns in Capiz.

Roxas City PNP Chief Leo Batiles revealed earlier that from January to June this year alone, there were already 92 recorded carnapping incidents, particularly of motorcycles, and not even a single unit was recovered with the suspects still unknown, she said.

In the implementation of Republic Act 4136 and other related traffic laws, the Task Group was able to apprehend 553 drivers and impounded 162 vehicles province wide as of July 20.

Common violations include driving without license, non-wearing of helmet, expired vehicle registration, violation of Presidential Decree 96 or unlawful use of siren or wangwang, non-attachment of plate to the vehicle as expired/non-renewal of driver's licence.

On the other hand, Angan has reminded the public to cooperate and support the police efforts and be vigilant to track down the carnapping incidents here.