Metro crime rate down by 20% during EDSA II

The crime rate in Metro Manila was down by 20 percent during the four-day EDSA People’s Power 2 uprising, Metro Manila police chief Director Edgar Aglipay said yesterday.

But Aglipay noted that the physical injuries cases, apparently between supporters of President Estrada and anti-Erap forces, rose dramatically in the period.

During those days, Filipinos, especially Metro Manilans were glued on their TV sets, monitoring developments in efforts to oust Mr. Estrada, who was facing charges of bribery, graft and corruption, culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust.

According to Aglipay, numerous clashes between the pro and anti-Erap supporters erupted in squatters’ areas in Metro Manila, especially in Tondo, Manila.

A large number of the physical injuries charges happened during heated debates on whether Mr. Estrada should remain in office or not.

The Metro Manila police chief said majority of the physical injuries cases were initiated by supporters of former President Estrada, who was well-loved by the poor.

"Nobody died in the incidents recorded by the police," said Aglipay in a telephone interview.

In car theft cases, the number of vehicles stolen was down to two each day from the previous record of three per day, Aglipay said. Again, Quezon City topped the list.

Aglipay also noted the sudden decrease of theft cases, like robbery-holdup and pickpocketing during the last five days.

The theft cases occured in shopping malls, commercial centers and busy streets like Divisoria in Manila; Baclaran in Parañaque City; Sucat in Parañaque City ; Cubao in Quezon City and Monumento in Calooocan City.

The dramatic decrease of the crime rate happened while about 2,000 police were busy preventing a bloody clash between pro and anti-Erap supporters at the foot of the Don Chino Roces Bridge near Malacañang.