TWO Bacolod-based riders groups, Cops and Eagle Riders, with different history and formation, are linked by common mission and tradition – to serve public interest and safety.
Citizens Onward for Prevention and Safety or Cops was organized in 2014 by a group of riders to assist public and private institutions in rescue and relief operations. They serve as security force multiplier of the police units and homeowners associations, assist families and groups in need of traffic assistance and convoy assistance to national government VIPs.
Today, still led by its founder Joseph Pagunsan, a retired public employee, and its dynamic-energetic President Manny Loplop, a social entrepreneur, the group works harder to improve their community services and slowly expand their ranks throughout Negros Island, and no less, strengthen the group’s mutual aid assistance and bonding.
For the Eagle Riders, though organized only in June this year, it is fast gaining member-riders who believe in riding as instrument of service and peace building. The group has already undertaken few community services, including its recent mission in Villa Villeta, Bacolod City, led by its President Sowena and founder Michael Osorio, to discuss with the family the treatment of their 1 year old baby Thalia who suffers the effects of liver failure.
Eagle’s spokesperson Josh Harry Hisoan hopes that they can galvanize their group guided by the spirit that riding through the high road and off road is not just for leisure and personal satisfaction, but a route to building lives in community filled with peace and prosperity.
There are few other riders groups in Negros who also thread the path of COPS and EAGLE RIDERS. Jun Fernandez, a member of both COPS and Chairman of United Riders of Negros, said that he looks forward to a day soon that all these riders groups will become a strong social force for change, peace and development, and not just social fun club.