MPD: Measures in place to curb Ermita robberies

MANILA, Philippines - The Manila Police District (MPD) yesterday said security measures are in place to curb the rampant robbery of tourists at the Ermita district.

MPD spokesman Chief Inspector Erwin Margarejo said the commander of MPD Station 5 was ordered to intensify patrol in the area to thwart criminals.

Margarejo said they are also coordinating with the barangay officials in Ermita to address the spate of robberies.

MPD director Chief Superintendent Alejandro Gutierrez instructed his men to be visible in the area and step-up anti-crime drive to protect not only the tourists but the public in general.

“We are doing our best to address the problem not only in the area but in the whole of Manila,” he said.

The STAR, citing figures from the MPD General Assignment Section (GAS), earlier reported that at least one tourist has been robbed in Ermita each day over the past several months.

Three tourists went to the MPD-GAS office last week to complain that they had been robbed. A Czech man also reported to the police that he was drugged and robbed by four women he met in Binondo.