More cops to secure Metro streets

With the Christmas season creeping in, Metro Manila police chief Deputy Director General Reynaldo Velasco ordered agressive beat patrols and traffic management, direction and control along major thoroughfares and busy streets in the metopolis to protect not only shoppers but tourists as well.

Velasco said that the intensified anti-crime drive is aimed to make Metro Manila safe not only for the citizenry but also for foreigners in a bid to make the metropolis a world-class tourist destination. Under the program, dubbed "Project Metro," Velasco is to project a positive image of order, civility and security in identified areas in Metro Manila and making them conducive to tourism.

"We will ensure the presence of dedicated and highly-motivated policemen for uncompromising law enforcement through aggressive beat patrols and traffic management along major streets leading to and from the international air terminal in Metro Manila," Velasco said.

The project, according to Velasco, is closely coordinated with the Department of Tourism which also intends to develop the metropolis into an ideal destination for tourists which would ultimately reflect on the entire country.

Under the umbrella of "Project Metro" is the whole stretch from the South Superhighway to Malacanang Palace; EDSA in Pasay City to the EDSA Shrine in Mandaluyong City; Taft Ave., to the Metropolitan Museum in Manila; Roxas Blvd., and Intramuros also in Manila and Ortigas Ave., In Pasig City to Cyber City.

Aside from the DOT, the project is also being pushed by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the local chief executives who were given administrative and operational control of their local police by President Arroyo.

Velasco said he also revitalized "Project Turista" to provide ample security for tourists patronizing the country.

"We intend to intensify our police visibility campaign in tourist spots in the metropolis to effectively prevent the commission of crimes against foreigners as well as to expeditiously solve such felonies by making arrests and prosecuting them," he said.

To make "Project Metro" and "Project Turista" effective, Velasco has deployed at least 500 uniformed personnel, including mobile patrols, in major thoroughfares and tourist spots in Metro Manila, and constructed police outposts in strategic locations in the metropolis.

The Metro Manila police chief also coordinated with the public, including security guards. vendors and parking area attendants and encouraged them to voluntarily give information regarding crime incidents that would lead to its solution.

Velasco has also signed a memorandum of agreement with the Light railway Transit Authority (LRTA) and the Metro Rail Transit Administration (MRTA) to protect the commuting public.

The Metro rail is presently being secured by a company of policemen from the Regional Special Action unit (RSAU).