IN A renewed effort to snare motorcycle-riding criminals who snatch commuters' and pedestrians' bags, police authorities have resorted to putting up checkpoints in strategic areas in Cagayan de Oro City.

Inspector Ivans Vinas, Anti-theft and Robbery Section (ATRS) chief, said the police have turned to instituting checkpoints that specifically target motorcycles after receiving numerous complaints on the use of motorcycles in criminal activities.

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Vinas said most of the victims report being mugged while walking or waiting for a ride along the road.

Recent victim Lulu Lapada, who owns a weekly local newspaper here, said she was preyed upon by muggers on bikes while waiting for her husband who was at that time closing their office located along Capistrano Street.

Lapada said the suspects suddenly appeared from behind and grabbed her shoulder bag. Lapada said the force of the impact caused her to fall to the ground.

Lapada said she was dragged along the cemented road before the strap broke off causing various injuries in different parts of her body.

Police were unable to identify the suspects in the attack, Lapada said.

The increase in similar complaints has alarmed Cagayan de Oro City Police Director Noel Armilla who immediately formed a group to spearhead an operation against the motorcycle-riding criminals.

Vinas, the designated head of the group, said their team has so far been able to apprehend five motorcycle drivers although the arrests were for different driving violations.

Vinas said they hope to apprehend suspected criminals by strictly enforcing traffic laws and regulations on the use of motorcycles such as the use of safety helmets.

Vinas said they are currently holding a certain Rafael Mondejar, Jr., of Barangay Camaman-an after Mondejar failed to show documents that signify his ownership of the motorcycle he was riding.

Mondejar was also found to have been driving without a license. Mondejar is currently detained at the ATRS office for further investigation.

Vinas said the directive targeting motorcycle riders will continue well into the end of the year as criminality is expected to increase during the Christmas season. (Joey P. Nacalaban)