EPD deploys 74 patrol vehicles in Ortigas

At least 74 mobile cars and motorcycles were deployed by the Eastern Police District along critical points of Ortigas Commercial District in Pasig City as a preemptive measure against robberies against banks and its clients.

EPD director Chief Superintendent Leon Nilo de la Cruz said a total of 64 of the 356 banks in eastern Metro Manila are located in the Ortigas district.

Philippine National Police chief Director General Avelino  Razon Jr. and Metro police chief Director Geary Barias inspected yesterday the EPD preparation against bank robbers and were satisfied with what they saw.

“The PNP chief was amazed with our well-prepared and well-executed measures against bank robbers,” said De la Cruz in an interview.

Razon had ordered an intensified anti-bank robbery operation in Metro Manila following the robbery at the RCBC branch in Cabuyao, Laguna where at least 10 employees and depositor were killed in cold-blood.

For his part, Barias warned precinct commanders of relief should they fail to initiate measures against bank robbers under his “one-strike” policy.

After three strikes in an area, the station commanders would be relieved, he said.

De la Cruz said the 54 mobile cars and 20 motorcycles would be manned by EPD policemen, including the heavily-armed Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) who would conduct hot pursuit operations against fleeing bank robbers.

He said several of the vehicles would be deployed in entry and exit points of Barangay San Antonio which hosts the 64 banks in the area.      – Non Alquitran