Primarily, this descriptive study aimed to assess the operational capability of Iloilo Provincial Police Office against motorcycle-riding suspects. Specifically, this study sought to answer the following questions: How do the respondents assess the operational capability of the Iloilo Provincial Police Office against motorcycle-riding suspects in terms of: manpower capability, logistical capability and community support? What are the problems encountered that affect the operational capability of Iloilo Provincial Office against motorcycle-riding suspects as to: manpower Capability, Logistical Capability and Community support? What measures can be proposed to address the problems encountered that affect the operational capability of Iloilo Provincial Police Office against motorcycle-riding suspects relative to the aforecited variables? Is there a significant difference in the assessments on the operational capability, problems encountered and proposed measures of Iloilo Provincial Police Office in terms of the above mentioned variables? What action plan can be formulated from the findings of the study?
Generally, the respondents assessed the Iloilo PPO’s operational capability against motorcycle-riding suspects as “capable” with a grand mean of 3.80. The respondents also assessed the operational capability of Iloilo PPO against motorcycle riding suspects in terms of manpower capability as “capable” with an average overall weighted mean of 3.83. Moreover, the respondents assessed the Iloilo PPO as “capable” in terms of logistical capability with an average overall weighted mean of 3.64 and “capable” in terms of community support with an average overall weighted mean of 3.95.
The respondents generally assessed the problems encountered that affect the operational capability of Iloilo PPO against motorcycle-riding suspects as “less serious” with a grand mean of 2.46. The respondents also assessed the problems encountered that affect the operational capability Iloilo PPO against motorcycle-riding suspects in terms of manpower capability as “less serious” with an average overall weighted mean of 2.43. Likewise, the respondents assessed the problems encountered that affect the Iloilo PPO’s operational capability in terms of logistical capability as “less serious” with an average overall weighted mean of 2.54 and “less serious” in terms of community support with an average overall weighted mean of 2.46.
In general, the respondents ‘highly recommended” the proposed measures to address the problems encountered that affect the operational capability of Iloilo Provincial Police Office against motorcycle-riding suspects with a grand mean of 4.48. The respondents also assessed the proposed measures on manpower capability, logistical capability and community support as “highly recommended’ with an average overall weighted mean of 4.45, 4.41 and 4.58 respectively.
There are significant differences existing in the assessment of the respondents on the operational capability of Iloilo PPO against motorcycle-riding criminals in terms of manpower capability, logistical capability and community support, the problems encountered and the proposed measures to the problems encountered.
An action plan to enhance the operational capability of Iloilo PPO against motorcycle-riding suspects was formulated based on the recommendations of the respondents and interviewees.
Based on the results of the study, the following can be concluded:
The Iloilo PPO has the competence to prevent the occurrence of crimes being perpetrated by motorcycle-riding suspects. Likewise, Iloilo PPO is capable through the use of mobility assets to establish checkpoints and chokepoints at designated areas, and has the ability to encourage the Local Government Units and non-government organizations to support its crime prevention campaign.
The respondents were moderately alarmed particularly by the delayed response of the police to incidents involving motorcycle-riding suspects, improper maintenance of patrol cars that are often used as multi-purpose vehicles to service other public safety concerns, and non-cooperation of possible witnesses for fear of reprisal.
The operational capability of Iloilo PPO against motorcycle-riding suspects can be improved further through organization of dedicated tracker teams and deployment well-trained motorcycle riding personnel to go after criminals, periodic marksmanship training to develop the shooting skills and self-confidence of personnel, and participation of the public in crime prevention.
There are differences among the perspectives of the respondents on the operational capability of Iloilo PPO against motorcycle-riding suspects. Though they came from different groups and have diverse opinions, it can be deduced that they wanted the problem on motorcycle-riding suspects eradicated.
To enhance the operational capability of Iloilo PPO against motorcycle-riding suspects, focus should be given to capability enhancement, capacity building, logistical upgrade and community involvement.