Metro crimes drop as street protests go up

The National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) recorded a significant decrease in the crime rate in Metro Manila as the number of rallies rose during the first two months of the year.

Metro Manila Police chief Director Geary Barias said the total crime volume in January and February was 2,951 incidents, which was 386 cases fewer compared to the same period last year at 3,337 cases.

Barias attributed the drop to the deployment of uniformed policemen on the streets to address street crimes such as robbery, theft and inflicting of physical injuries.

He noted that the police made the achievement amid rallies calling for the resignation of President Arroyo due to the series of scandals linked to her administration.

Barias said a total of 128 rallies, both for and against the government, were conducted from January to February while only 80 protest actions were staged during the same period last year.

The first of four of the biggest rallies so far took place last Jan. 22 in Mendiola, Manila during the anniversary of the Mendiola massacre, followed by the Feb. 15 rally in Paseo de Roxas in Makati City, while the third was the simultaneous mass action nationwide for the 22nd anniversary of the EDSA 1. The fourth was the interfaith rally, attended by 15,000 rallyists based on the police estimate, held at the Paseo de Roxas and Ayala Avenue in Makati City

Based on statistics, Barias said there were a total of 32 robberies perpetrated by motorcycle-riding suspects from January to February compared to 36 cases during the same period last year.

Barias also added that there was also a significant decrease in street crimes from 540 cases from January to February in 2007 to 501 incidents during the same period this year.

He said the highest number of crimes was recorded in Manila Police District (MPD) with 204, while Quezon City Police District (QCPD) has 110, Southern Police District (SPD) with 92, Northern Police District (NPD) with 56 and Eastern Police District (EPD) with 39.

Barias noted that there were two kidnap for ransom cases this year, which is similar to the same period last year.

He added that the NCRPO plans to recruit 200 more police officers to beef up its drive against bank robberies.

“We cannot be very confident that no more bank robbery incidents will happen. We have to be vigilant,” Barias said.