CAMP JUAN, Laoag City, May 22–The Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office headed by new OIC Provincial Director Senior Supt. Antonio P. Mendoza Jr. formally launched yesterday morning the MASCOBADO (Motorized Anti-Street Crime Operatives & BPATs for Direct Operations) to help further in the maintenance of peace and order in Ilocos Norte.
Gov. Imee R. Marcos graced the occasion as invited guest of honor and speaker during the launching rites held at St. Ignacius de Loyola Chapel at Camp Capt. Valentin S. Juan here. She was introduced by S/S Mendoza, who just assumed last month as OIC provincial director of INPPO. He replaced PS/Supt. Gerardo Ratuita, whose performance during his tour of duty in Ilocos Norte was also described as impressive by Governor Marcos.
The opening part of the launching program include the singing of the national anthem and invocation by BPATs minister Ferrel Abitong. Deputy Provincial Director for Administration P/Supt. Adolfo T. Rafanan delivered welcome remarks; P/CI Tomas Jonathan Sabado, chief of PPHRDB, presented the participants and BPAT Riders president Aldrin Garganta gave a message on behalf of his colleagues.
In her speech, Governor Marcos expressed appreciation to INPPO “for coming up with a creative solution to the old and intransigent problem (of street crimes).”
She said that “although MASCOBADO is experimental, it might be the solution to street crimes which will result to the growth in the tourism industry.”
The governor added that “at the end of the day, human intelligence together with the motorized safety peacekeepers will lead the way, thus, she is expecting the MASCOBADO to live up to its name.” She likewise pledged the full support of the provincial government for the said noble cause.
As token of appreciation to the Governor for her continuing support to the endeavors of the police organization, the INPPO through OIC PD Mendoza presented to her a memento which she gladly accepted it with a sincere smile.
Before the culmination of the launching program, the other guests and visitors led by Governor Marcos witnessed a make-believe scenario wherein some selected MASCOBADO riders demonstrated their agility and skills on how to chase and capture “two imaginary motorcyle-riding bag snatchers who victimized a woman pedestrian”.
Tri-media reporters documented well the impressive event held at this camp.(JRG with reports from INPPO PCR Facebook)
