PNP intensifies drive vs street criminals

Acting on marching orders of President Arroyo to fight crime and stop criminals in the metropolis, operatives of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) conducted a successful saturation drive against street criminals in Metro Manila.

Based on a directive issued by Metro police chief Deputy Director General Reynaldo Velasco to sustain the campaign against street crimes down to the barangay levels by actively involving barangay tanods in the campaign, personnel of the Eastern Police District (EPD), headed by Chief Supt. Rolando Sacramento, were able to apprehend 29 lawless elements involved in robbery, cellular phone snatching, and drug pushing.

Velasco’s order came at the heels of the President’s directive for the PNP to double its efforts in winning the war against crime in the streets and in winning public perception as she ordered the release of P10 million to operationalize the quick response of anti-crime operations in the metropolis.

"It’s a public perception game so we have to do something not just to win the battle against the crime in the streets but also the hearts and minds of the people in Metro Manila," Velasco said stressing that the NCRPO has not been remiss in its job with the implementation of various innovative programs and projects to keep Metro Manila safe and peaceful.

Velasco revealed that the arrest of the suspects was done in direct response to the President’s urgent call, and is part of the Metro Manila police force’s six-point action plan which includes:

• the deployment of Magic Eye operatives in major identified crime-prone areas to combat criminal elements;

• enhanced coordination between police and barangays against petty crimes and illegal drugs through the "Barangay at Pulisya Laban sa Krimen at Droga."

• stronger NCRPO-LGU partnership under the Memorandum 77, tapping local chief executives to take part in the anti-crime campaign;

• activation of fortified Huli Agad, Pulis Mabilis, and Task Force Tulungan programs and the maximum use of various communications systems, including the PNP Txt 2920, Magic Eye Txt Patrol 2910, and the DILG Police Assistance Hotline 117;

• formal formation of the Community Organizations for Police Support Foundation; and

• sustained drive against index crimes particularly against high profile crimes like kidnapping, bank robberies, and killings.

"With this six-point action plan, the main ingredient to the NCRPO’s all-out campaign against crime is still the active support of the citizens and the community in reporting crimes to the police," Velasco said. – Non Alquitran