Police on watch vs petty crime at Marikina festival

Marikina City police were placed on alert against pickpockets and other petty criminals as the Mega Carousel Festival at the city’s Riverside district kept on attracting a nightly mammoth crowd.

"The pickpockets and other petty criminals had a heyday last year but we will see to it that they land in jail this time," warned Superintendent Sotero Ramos Jr. Marikina City police chief.

The Mega Carousel Festival is a yearly activity initiated by Marikina City Mayor Ma. Lourdes Fernando to showcase the city’s native crafts and products.

But the festival not only attracted Metro Manila residents out to avail of the bargain prices at the flea market and rides on mini carnivals but also pickpockets and other petty criminals.

However, this year, city administrator Melvin Cruz has asked the police for officers.

On Cruz’s suggestion, Ramos has set up three police assistance centers in the area that will be manned by four officers.

"I’ve also deployed two teams of Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams and plainclothes operatives to mingle with the crowd and spot petty criminals," he said.

The Mega Carousel Festival was formally opened by Mayor Fernando last Nov. 15. The festival will run until Jan. 5.

Aside from the police officers, local barangay security men will help provide security. "We are doing our utmost to make the festival the most peaceful since its inception years back," said Ramos.

To prevent quarrels over parking, Ramos has deployed traffic enforcers at designated parking area along J.P. Rizal St., which is some 50 meters away from the festival site.