By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

At least 30 motorists were apprehended last month by the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) in violation of City Ordinance 832, the ordinance regulating the practice of riding-in-tandem in the city.
Based on a report forwarded by BCPO director, Police Senior Superintendent Francisco Ebreo, to the Bacolod City Sangguniang Panlungsod, between June 16 and 29, Police Station 2 recorded a total of 21 apprehensions, Police Station 10 made six, and Police Stations 4, 6, and 9 each recorded one.
According to the ordinance, it is prohibited for two people to ride a motorcycle from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., unless it is determined there is an emergency or other legitimate reason.
Apprehended operators are fined P300, while the backrider is fined P200.
The ordinance was introduced by the city government following a spate of criminal cases involving riding-in-tandem suspects./DGB, WDJ