Mounted cops riding high in Benguet

Law enforcers in Benguet are now hitting two birds with one stone - fighting crime and promoting tourism - with their new mounted police unit. An initial unit of seven police officers started riding horses while patrolling high in the mountains. This started on April Fool's Day, of course, per radio dwIZ’s Saturday report. Benguet police chief Senior Superintendent Benjamin Lusad said that of the seven, two are assigned to Mt. Pulag, two to La Trinidad town, and three to the provincial headquarters. Lusad said that aside from doing their law enforcement duties, the mounted police will pose for photo opportunities with tourists while high in the mountains. He noted that Benguet province attracts a large number of visitors due to its cool weather and highly attractive tourist destinations. The mounted police will also be tapped for major provincial events, he added. — AYA/TJD/HS, GMA News