In what is being called a new initiative to fight crime, all taxis in the Filipino city of Tagbilaran will be carrying Bible verses.

The law had been on the books for over 20 years but now the city is enforcing the law in an attempt to curb a wave of violence that was impacting commuters.

“This is the only city in the Philippines that has such an ordinance,” Samuel Belderol, who issues taxi licenses at city hall, told reporters. “We want the world to know that we are a God-fearing city and that these Bible verses help us draw closer to God.  We only issue 3,000 licenses every year and each one must have a unique verse on it, no duplicate verses allowed.”

If a taxi driver fails or refuses to post the verse, they could lose their license.

City Council member Lucile Lagunay says the action has already shown a positive impact on the crime rate.

“With a Biblical message at the back of the units, commuters get to see the message every day and it helps in way to preserve the peace in our city,” she stated. “Everyday commuters get to see the biblical message on the tricycles and who want to think of crime when they see biblical passages everywhere.”