Taguig still safest place for vehicles

The Philippine National Police-Traffic Management Group has recorded zero motor vehicle theft incidents in Taguig for the past two years — making it the safest place in Metro Manila against car theives.

According to Superintendent Benilito Bianzon, TMG assistant director for opertations, there have been no reported vehicle theft incident in Taguig from January to September this year and for the same period last year.

"It could be because there is a heavy concentration of police units in the area. At the same time, it can also be attributed to traffic congestion, making possible escape from cops difficult," Bianzon said.

Motor vehicles, by classification by the TMG, includes not only cars but also vans, trucks, buses, motorcycles and scooters.

Bianzon said that the presence of police units in Taguig like the Special Action Force which has its headquarters in Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan and the Southern Police District headquarters inside Fort Bonifacio are more than enough even for the hardened car theives to handle.

Aside from that, Taguig is heavily guarded with policemen stationed at almost every street corner, said Bianzon.

Biazon added that parking areas of residential areas in Taguig like those inside Fort Bonifacio are also very much secure making it twice as difficult for thieves to steal cars.

Based on TMG records, for the period between January and September this year, there were 1,804 motor vehicles stolen nationwide. Of this figure, 1,179 vehicles were stolen in Metro Manila with the remaining 625 stolen from various regions.

According to TMG records, Quezon City topped the list with 431 motor vehicles stolen between January and September this year.

"Quezon City has the most reported number of motor vehicle thefts as it is a large center of business and many people live here," Bianzon said.

This was followed by Manila (154), Makati (153) and Pasig City (77). For the same period, Marikina reported 58 car theft incidents, Caloocan (54) Mandaluyong (51), Pasay (42) and Valenzuela (44).

San Juan and Parañaque reported 33 incidents each, Las Piñas (30), Muntinlupa (14) and Malabon and Pateros with nine each.

Bianzon said that most of the vehicles were stolen while parked in the street or in unguarded parking areas. Car thefts usually occur between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and between midnight and 1 a.m. — Mike Frialde