RIDE AGAINST DRUGS. Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel participate in the launching of Police Regional Office 5's (PRO5) newest program, "SIKAD Riders", on Monday, Sept. 3, 2018. (Photo courtesy of PNP-PIO 5)
LEGAZPI CITY -- At least 200 cyclists, some of them from the Philippine National Police (PNP), government agencies and non-government organizations participated in the launching of Police Regional Office 5's (PRO-5) newest program dubbed "SIKAD Riders" at Camp General Simeon Ola here Monday morning.
SIKAD means "Sama-samang I-angat ang Kabikolan na Ayaw sa Droga".
Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo, who was guest speaker in the event, urged every Bicolano to join the fight against drugs and criminality.
"Everybody can be superhero fighting against crime and corruption. We need not wear capes, nor wield magical wands or possess super powers. All we have to do is to stand stronger,” he said. "I firmly believe that it is high time that we do our own part."
PRO-5 director, Chief Supt. Arnel Escobal, in his speech, said "SIKAD", which means "padyak" (kick) in Tagalog, is a group of cyclists from different organizations and the general public in Bicol - especially in Albay province, who pledged to support the program of PNP, which aims to solve the problem on criminality and proliferation of illegal drugs in Region 5.
Escobal thanked all the members of SIKAD Riders and others who participated in Monday's activity.
He said the program is part of PRO-5's campaign to resolve the drug problem by rebuilding police-community partnership and to keep the communities safe.
"It also aims to encourage, inspire and motivate PNP personnel to improve their mental and physical strength through cycling and exercise," he added.
Escobal urged SIKAD members to join him in the regular biking activity every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, starting from Camp Gen. Simeon Ola to different points of Legazpi City and even to nearby municipalities of the province of Albay.
Before the launching of the program, cyclists and members of SIKAD led by Escobal went on an almost 20-kilometer bicycle ride from the compound of Camp Gen. Simeon Ola to Embarcadero de Legazpi in Barangay Victory Village and vice versa. This was followed by Zumba dancing at the parade ground of the camp.
The program coincided with the celebration of the 24th National Crime Prevention Week from September 1-7 based on Proclamation No. 461, issued on August 31, 1994. (PNA)
