MANILA, Philippines – At least 70 checkpoints were set up in Metro Manila by the National Capital Regional Police Office in its stepped up campaign against loose firearms to curb the spate of killings, bigtime robberies, car and motorcycle theft in the metropolis.
NCRPO director Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales said that majority of firearms used in the killings, robbery incidents and car and motorcycle theft are unlicensed.
“Once we seize these unlicensed firearms, we strongly believe that killings, robbery incidents and car and motorcycle theft in the metropolis will be significantly reduced,” said Rosales in an interview.
According to the NCRPO director, criminal groups based in neighboring provinces of Metro Manila spring the said firearms into the metropolis before staging criminal activities.
Before he assumed command of the NCRPO on April 3, only 38 checkpoints were set up in strategic areas of Metro Manila and Rosales decided to almost double the number following the killings and robbery incidents perpetrated by suspects riding in tandem in motorcycles.
In Manila alone, there are at least 12 checkpoints, he said. However, Rosales warned policemen to wear complete uniforms while manning checkpoints to prevent misencounters. He also appealed to commuters and the riding public to bear with the inconvenience brought about by the checkpoints “as what we are doing are for the own good of Metro Manilans.”
Aside from checkpoint operations, the NCRPO will also intensify “Oplan Sita” and “Oplan Bakal” operations to confiscate loose firearms. “Once we have all these loose firearms in our custody, the peace and order in Metro Manila will vastly improve,” said Rosales. – Non Alquitran