‘Oplan Sita’ nets 34 motorbikes in Cotabato, Maguindanao

COTABATO CITY – Police authorities here and in Maguindanao province impounded Monday a total of 34 motorcycles for lack of pertinent documents during the separate implementation of “Oplan Sita” in two areas.

In this city, police authorities manning a checkpoint on the southern side of Tamontaka Bridge seized 11 motorbikes for missing registration documents and expired drivers' licenses.

“We have turned over the motorbikes to the city traffic center office for proper disposition to its owners after they pay the necessary fines imposed by the local government,” Chief Insp. Leonardo Inggay, city police station 3 commander, said.

Also on Monday, police in Upi, Maguindanao, apprehended 23 motorcycles for violation of various local traffic ordinances ranging from expired vehicle registration, expired driver’s licenses and driving without safety helmets.

Chief Inspector Erwin Tabora, Upi municipal police chief, said they intensified mobile checkpoints in the area following reports that lawless elements are passing through the town onboard motorbikes carrying with them illegal firearms and drugs, among others.

“We have set up a surprise checkpoint along Barangay Rempes and caught up with these unregistered vehicles,” he said in a separate interview.

Tabora said the local police will conduct more surprise operations in the coming days until motorists learn to obey traffic ordinances implemented in the area. (PNA)