PAMPANGA, Philippines - Central Luzon police are going after stolen motorcycles in the region to curb crimes.

Central Luzon Police Director Chief Supt. Edgardo Ladao has reiterated his earlier order for police to go after unlicensed or unregistered motorcycles to stop crimes being carried out by riders-in-tandem and stop the illegal sale of stolen motorcycles.

Ladao issued the directive during the formal turn-over of motorcycle patrol units and other equipment donated by the provincial government to Pampanga Provincial Police Office in rites attended by Governor Lilia Pineda.

He said Central Luzon and Metro Manila have been an open market for stolen motorcycles. "Ang ninakaw sa Metro Manila, dinadala sa Central Luzon, at ang ninakaw sa Central Luzon ay dinadala sa Metro Manila," Ladao said.

He wants police units in Central Luzon to set up checkpoints in their respective area of responsibility. 

Ladao said more than 900 motorcycles were intercepted in various parts of Central Luzon during his first 2 weeks on duty and 500 were released to their rightful owners.

He said the campaign against unregistered motorcycles is aimed at neutralizing riding-in-tandem criminals.

Lawless elements, Ladao said, often use unregistered motorcycles.

Last month, several policemen from Nueva Ecija and Bulacan were linked to a syndicate engaged in sale of stolen motorcycles following the arrest of a policeman during a buy-bust operation in Sta. Maria town, Bulacan. – Report from Jess Malabanan, ABS-CBN Pampanga