Manila renews drive vs cell phone snatchers

The arrest of more than 50 suspected snatchers of cellular phones in Manila three months ago has apparently failed to stop rampant theft in the country’s capital.

This has prompted Manila Mayor Lito Atienza to order the Western Police District to conduct an even more intense crackdown on criminals preying on ordinary employees and students.

"Robbery complaints, particularly cellular phone snatchings, have been mounting these past few weeks. So the police must go after these criminals," Atienza said.

The mayor wants WPD Director Senior Superintendent Pedro Bulaong to make sure that all mobile phone snatchers end up in jail.

"The certainty of getting caught, regardless of the offense, will deter any unscrupulous individuals from committing a crime," Atienza added.

It can be recalled that more than 50 suspected cell phone snatchers were arrested in a series of police operations in August.

The operations were carried out in crowded areas like Recto, Quiapo, Sta. Cruz, Binondo, Divisoria, and the University Belt in Sampaloc. – Cecille Suerte Felipe