MANILA, Philippines — Police are set to launch next week a sticker system for motorcycle riders as a deterrent against criminality.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said the system will provide proper identification of riders and a way to combat motorcycle-riding criminals.

“The PNP has crafted ‘Campaign Plan: Clean Rider’ for a more vigorous, focused and effective campaign to totally eliminate crimes committed by motorcycle-riding suspects,” Albayalde said in a seven-page memorandum circular issued last July 6.

The program will be launched on Wednesday, Aug. 1 at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Chief Supt. Guillermo Eleazar said the program is voluntary and motorcycle owners are not going to pay for the stickers.

Eleazar urged motorcycle riders to visit police stations in their respective areas to obtain the stickers. They should bring their driver’s license and motor vehicle registration for verification.

Eleazar said the stickers are helpful for riders, particularly during checkpoint operations.

“If they have these stickers, it would be easier for them to process. No hassle,” he said.

But for those without the stickers, Eleazar said they should expect more stringent inspections.

Albayalde said a total of 933 shooting incidents perpetrated by motorcycle-riding suspects were recorded across the country from Oct. 11, 2017 to June 4, 2018.

Of the number, 862 were murder cases while 71 were homicide.

Records showed a total of 980 persons were victimized by 1,139 suspects.

Albayalde said 12 of the suspects were killed and 57 were arrested in police operations while 1,070 remain at large.

A total of 1,771 motorcycles were stolen with only 78 recovered.

According to Eleazar, a separate sticker will also be placed on the driver’s license of a motorcycle rider.

A comprehensive collection of data of motorcycle riders issued with the stickers will be put in a database for reference.

Eleazar urged the public to give the program a chance to prove whether it is an effective tool against crimes. “It’s a work in progress,” he said.