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Monday, June 05, 2006
'Lone ranger' cops eyed in Cordi
By Rimaliza Opiña
LONE ranger-like policemen patrolling the streets of Baguio and other parts of the region might not be a regular feature of the Cordillera policemen because maintaining a "caballero" image is expensive.
The caballero image was first conceptualized by former police regional director Leonardo Dionisio as part of the Philippine National Police's (PNP) establishment of an "image" that is distinct in every region. Because horseback was the main mode of transportation prior to the construction of roads in the mountain ranges of Cordillera, the police regional office, under Dionisio's leadership, thought of the "caballero" or a horseback-riding gentleman during the Spanish era as model that is supposed to establish the distinct characteristic of Cordillera policemen.
But Dionisio's immediate successor, Raul Gonzales, said the Cordillera police decided to call off the idea after it turned out that the expense involved in maintaining and caring for the horses is too big.
Gonzales said veterinarians and pony boys have to be hired; stables have to be built; vitamins, medicines and food for the horses have to be bought; and the horse itself is expensive.
He said the idea would cost P4 million yearly if implemented.
Gonzales also doubted the horse's capacity to patrol the streets for 12 hours daily, as he explained that aside from cost, the horse's endurance should also be considered. "Their (horses) appearance, health and ability are foremost in the minds of the police," he said.
But the Regional Police Office has not entirely ruled out the plan.
Gonzales said caballero policemen would still be seen during special occasions and in select tourist destinations in the region. At a rental price of P1,000 daily, he said it is cheaper to hire horses instead.
The Baguio City Police Office-Traffic Management Group and the Sagada police, meanwhile, were tapped to act as the region's caballeros.
(June 5, 2006 issue)
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