15 suspected thieves nabbed in Divisoria

Police nabbed 15 suspected thieves and pickpockets in Divisoria yesterday as part of their security preparations for shoppers who are expected to flock to Divisoria for their early Christmas shopping.

Dubbed as “Oplan Bantayan,” the operation was hatched to clear Divisoria of criminals who may take advantage of the daily influx of thousands of people availing of bargain prices being offered in the city’s prime shopping center, according to Meisic police station chief Superintendent Nelson Yabut. “With still 78 days before Christmas, we are sending a strong warning to persons with criminal motives not to conduct their illegal activities in Divisoria. We will drive them out to protect the public,” Yabut told The STAR.

Out of the 15 persons rounded up, Nenita Jaen Mae Santos, 27; Noli Estrella, 32; and Restie Villena, 27, have criminal records of theft and snatching. Rolando Noriega, 50, was verified with standing warrant for a theft case. Though the others were known to police as notorious pickpockets, they were not caught in the act and were only charged with vagrancy.

Yabut advised shoppers not to wear expensive jewelry and properly secure their cash in order not to fall victims to criminals who are just waiting for an opportune time to strike. “Our policemen are inadequate to keep a close watch on thousands of shoppers. However, I assure the people that we are always available to act on every complaint,” Yabut said.

Moreover, Yabut said he will maintain the orderliness in the Divisoria area by not allowing vendors to exceed their one-meter by one-meter allowable vending area. No vendors will be allowed to occupy the streets and obstruct the free flow of traffic. As per directive of Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, the streets of Ilaya, Tabora, Sta. Elena, Elcano and Carmen Planas are off-limits to vendors even in December, Yabut said.

Yabut is also installing complaint boxes on shopping malls where people can drop off their complaints for immediate police action.