QC cops on lookout for pushers

MANILA, Philippines - Station commanders in Quezon City have been ordered to monitor and maintain a “watchlist” of criminals, particularly drug pushers, preying on students as schools open today, officials said Saturday.

Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Chief Superintendent Richard Albano announced his men’s readiness to ensure the security and safety of students, teachers, parents and school personnel.

Albano said the QCPD, through its 12 police stations and other units, will maximize the deployment of uniformed and plainclothes police officers and traffic enforcers, especially near schools, jeepney and bus stops and public utility transport terminals.

In a memorandum, Senior Superintendent Timoteo Pacleb, chief of the QCPD’s directorial staff, told station commanders to maintain a “watchlist” of criminal groups believed to be operating in their areas of jurisdiction and stage operations to arrest them.

Pacleb also told station commanders to intensify intelligence operations against drug peddlers who might victimize students.

He also ordered station commanders to determine the areas where pickpockets, snatchers and robbers operate and set up more patrols there.