Holy Week crimes down 61%

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) recorded a total of 106 crime incidents during the Holy Week, a 61 percent drop from the 274 cases recorded during the same period last year.

Senior Superintendent Felipe Rojas Jr., NCRPO intelligence chief, attributed the significant drop in crime incidents during the Lenten break to the pro-active and intensified security preparations of the police force.

"It also appears that Metro Manila residents are more security conscious now," said Rojas, adding that the close coordination among policemen, barangay officers and security guards has paid off.

Part of the NCRPO security preparations was the fielding of uniformed personnel to secure churches and routes during the traditional Visita Iglesia. There was high police visibility in areas where people gathered during the break.

The NCRPO also deployed additional mobile and foot patrols to subdivisions and commercial centers to prevent Akyat Bahay and Acetylene Gang members from taking advantage of families leaving their homes and traders temporarily closing shop.

The NCRPO mobilized 3,000 policemen to secure vital private and government installations in Metro Manila for the Holy Week.

"We at the NCRPO congratulate our officers and men who played a key role in this significant accomplishment," Rojas said.

Records reaching the intelligence office showed that of the 106 crime incidents recorded from April 10 to 16 this year, 98 cases were solved for a 92 percent crime solution efficiency (CSE).

The NCRPO solved 251 of the 274 crime incidents during the Holy Week (April 11 to 17) last year for a 91 percent CSE.

For the period, Rojas said they recorded three "Akyat Bahay" cases, but solved two of them. Burglars struck in Muntinlupa City, at the Elizabeth Seton School in Las Piñas City and in Baesa, Quezon City.

The NCRPO also listed seven "tutok-kalawit" cases this year compared to 24 last year.

At least five cell phone snatching cases were reported this Holy Week in Metro Manila compared to 13 cases last year. All the cell phone snatching cases this year were solved, Rojas pointed out.

For the period, a total of eight vehicles were stolen compared to 32 cars lost to thieves last year. Seven motorcycles were taken this year compared to 16 last year.

Rojas said the minimal number of incidents during the Lenten break was made possible through the help of government agencies like the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), which actively implemented measures to safeguard travelers, especially tourists, not only in Metro Manila, but all over the country.

The NCRPO intelligence chief also cited volunteer radio groups for guiding motorists to their destinations.

Meanwhile, the Manila Police District (MPD) said the number of street crimes in the country’s capital during the Holy Week was 10 percent lower than the previous week.

MPD director Chief Superintendent Pedro Bulaong said based on the statistics, the number of crimes for the period covering April 6 to 12 declined by 59 cases, which is 10 percent lower than the previous week covering March 30 to April 5, with only two homicide-robbery incidents — one in Tondo, Manila and another in San Andres Bukid.

The statistics also indicated that there were no cases involving Akyat-Bahay and Salisi Gangs and carjackings during the period when most residents left their homes to spend the break in the provinces.

"The MPD has attributed the significant decrease in the number of crimes to the safety measures that we devised as part of "Oplan: Semana Santa" in preparation for the observance of the Holy Week. We had intensified the police visibility in the key areas such as the church premises and the transport terminals to prevent the suspected criminals from preying on innocent people," Bulaong said. – With Edu Punay