NCRPO to deploy 1,000 cops in crime-prone areas

The National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) will deploy at least 1,000 uniformed policemen in seven crime-prone and commercial areas of Metro Manila within this week to secure Christmas shoppers against criminals.

“We will maximize deployment of policemen in areas tagged by our intelligence officials as crime prone and commercial centers to ensure the safety of Filipinos while doing their Christmas shopping,” said Metro police chief Director Geary Barias.

He identified the crime-prone areas in Metro Manila as Quezon Avenue in Quezon City and Bagong Silang in Caloocan City.

The commercial centers where flea markets have mushroomed are Baclaran in Parañaque City, Quiapo and Divisoria in Manila, and Commonwealth Ave., and Cubao in Quezon City.

According to Barias, the 1,000 policemen will come from the NCRPO and its five police districts.

“With Christmas now less than 30 days away, we intend to maximize the police presence in the field to make life hard for criminals,” he said.

Though he cited no figures, Barias said traditionally, crime incidents in Metro Manila usually increase during the Christmas season.

Barias said barangay tanods and traffic enforcers will be fielded along with the policemen in the seven areas. He also said he intends to establish a tactical command post in the areas for the swift reporting of crime incidents.

According to Barias, he will also install billboards in strategic areas of Metro Manila informing Christmas shoppers of the telephone number to call when they are victimized by criminals.

Manila Police District (MPD) director Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales said he doubled security in Divisoria and Quiapo to protect the public against criminals.

Rosales said petty criminals are taking advantage of the heavy influx of shoppers in the two areas.

“There is heavy trading in Divisoria and Quiapo, especially with Christmas just around the corner, so we are on our toes with regards to the shoppers security and safety,” he said.  – Non Alquitran