Today, as a spate of motorcycle thefts and killings once again sowed fear among our people in the province, especially the First District bordering Maguindanao del Norte, I have looked into ways and strategies to end the problem.
When I was Governor of North Cotabato from 1998 to 2007, I directed the police commander to organize motorcycle-riding policemen, well-trained, fully equipped and disciplined wearing black menacing uniforms to patrol the highways of North Cotabato and respond to urgent calls for assistance.
Called the Crisis Rapid Response Group (CRRG), also known as the “Black Bugs” after the black pesky insects which attack rice fields during the night, the Special Police team helped restore security in the highways of North Cotabato during the most critical years.
It was fully supported by the Office of the Provincial Governor using Peace and Order Funds, from the purchase of powerful Honda all-terrain motorcycles, to modern firearms, uniforms and special incentives.
Patrolling the highways of the province in pairs with two policemen riding each motorcycle in tandem, the CRRG Black Bugs provided residents a feeling of security while instilling fear among criminals.
Today, while our policemen are trying their best to address the problem, the lack of material and financial support, especially mobility equipment, hampers their capability to respond swiftly.
Several people lost their lives in the series of killings, including a very dear friend and former co-worker in a government agency, Sindatu “Roy” Dilangalen.
With God’s grace, should I win back the Governorship of North Cotabato, I will reactivate the CRRG “Black Bugs.”
The reactivation of the CRRG Black Bugs could prevent more motorcycle thefts and killings.
