More cops to be deployed in Baclaran, Quiapo

MANILA, Philippines - The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will deploy more policemen in the vicinity of churches in Baclaran, Parañaque City and Quiapo, Manila to prevent criminals from preying on devotees.

The deployment of more policemen in the two areas is part of the NCRPO’s effort to reduce crimes in 21 crime-prone areas of the metropolis, said Chief Superintendent Juanito Vaño, NCRPO deputy chief for operation.

Vaño said Baclaran, Quiapo, and 19 other areas in Metro Manila were listed as crime-prone because of the high crime rates recorded by the NCRPO.

Senior Superintendent Sotero Ramos Jr., chief of the NCRPO’s operation division, noted that devotees of Our Mother of Perpetual Help flock to Baclaran church on Wednesdays while those who favor the Black Nazarene go to the Quiapo church on Fridays.

The NCRPO noted the rise in street crimes in Baclaran on Wednesdays and in Quiapo on Fridays.

During his inspections of the 21 crime-prone areas of Metro Manila last week, Vaño said police officers in the stations and precincts covering those areas cannot have their day off on days of the week when crime rates are high.

“We wanted more policemen in the streets where people can immediately report crimes. We should also have enough men to conduct follow-up operations,” said Ramos in an interview. “We are not only focusing our day-off ban in Baclaran and Quiapo but also in other places where incidence of criminal activities are high.”

NCRPO chief Director Alan Purisima gave the 21 station and precinct commanders until the end of August to reduce crimes in their areas or face relief.