Street crimes in Metro Manila drop with police visibility

The patrols being conducted by joint teams from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Marines have led to 78 percent decrease in street crimes, especially in Metro Manila.

PNP chief Deputy Director General Panfilo Lacson said yesterday that the significant drop in street crimes was more evident in the eastern part of the metropolis where big shopping malls are mostly situated.

"That is why those who are criticizing joint PNP-Marine patrols cannot do anything as this has gained public support and the decrease in street crimes is proof of this," Lacson said in Filipino on JEEP ni Erap: Ang Pasada ng Pangulo, the weekly radio-TV program of President Estrada.

JEEP ni Erap is aired on People's Television (PTV-4), Bureau of Broadcast Services-Radyo ng Bayan, dzMM, and the ABS-CBN News Channel.

During the program, the President made it clear that all Filipinos, especially ordinary citizens, deserve the best protection that the government can give them against criminals and terrorists.

He maintained that members of the Philippine Marines can help the PNP deter crime on the streets.

Lacson also said that the deployment of Marines in Metro Manila has reaped positive results for the government's peace and order campaign.

According to him, the PNP has received requests for the same from many places.