QC police deploys ‘Santa Cops’

The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) deployed yesterday 27 policemen wearing Santa Claus caps and dubbed as "Santa Cops" at the Araneta Center in Cubao to conduct foot patrol and prevent street criminals who prey on Christmas shoppers.

Senior Superintendent Magtanggol Gatdula, QCPD director, assigned 27 rookie policemen and policewomen to the Cubao police station headed by Superintendent Procopio Lipana.

"The Santa cops will be on the watch for criminal elements in the area," Gatdula said.

The deployment of the Santa cops is in compliance with the order of Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. for the mobilization of the police and concerned city hall units to keep shopping centers safe for shoppers during the Christmas rush.

Belmonte said that a series of briefing have been held with QCPD officials and the police have been informed on what should be given priority in the performance of their duty.

He also instructed the Parks and Development Administration Department to expedite the installation and rehabilatation of street lights in dark streets, particularly in crime-prone areas.

The mayor ordered the police to expedite the acquisition of motor vehicles and equipment to improve mobility and address the crime problem in the city.

The QCPD also presented to the media yesterday suspected criminals that were arrested in separate police operations.

Among those presented were carjackers, robbers, and snatchers. Superintendent Bernabe Balba, chief of the District Intelligence and Investigation Division, said police operations are still ongoing in several part of the city to arrest more suspects.

"We are expecting more arrest," Balba said. – Perseus Echeminada