BALANGA CITY – Barangay Mulawin (Orani, Bataan) village chief, professional motorcycle rider and enthusiast Marvin Dela Cruz witnessed the last day of training of the participants of the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) Riders Course held last Saturday in Morong, Bataan.
Celebrity trainees include ABS CBN’s Matteo Guidicelli and DZMM anchor Gerry Baja. Both finished the 45-day special riding course called “executive rider training” being offered to senior police officers and some of their friends from the private sector.
Dela Cruz said this module is not as rigid as the regular PNP-HPG Rider Course that’s exclusive for organic members of the unit. And it’s definitely not for beginners.
The training provides participants with basic scientific motorcycle-riding techniques, correct riding posture, confidence in riding, jumping, long-ride and the do’s and don’ts of big bike riding.
The course also teaches participants to learn how to control their motorcycles during rainy and slippery situations, and when passing through congested traffic, as well as hazard awareness.
The PNP-HPG leadership last year proposed a mandatory safety training for all motorcycle riders and owners after seeing an increase in motorcycle accidents over recent years.
PNP-HPG Director Chief Supt. Roberto Fajardo said human error was the top reason for most motorcycle accidents. He said he wants to propose mandatory safety training for motorists even before they are allowed to purchase motorcycles.
Based on data gathered by PNP-HPG, there have been a total of 11,477 recorded accidents in 2017 until the first four months of the year: 9,574 from January to December 2017, and 1,903 from January until April 2018. (Photos courtesy of PB Marvin Dela Cruz)