Robberies, thefts in MM drop by 25%

MANILA, Philippines - Thefts and robberies in Metro Manila dropped by 25 percent during the second week of the month compared to the previous week, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said yesterday.

The PNP’s Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management recorded 310 incidents in the metropolis from March 9 to 15 while 405 incidents were recorded from March 2 to 8.

PNP officer-in-charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina said the decrease is a result of the Oplan Lambat-Sibat anti-crime campaign initiated by Interior Secretary Mar Roxas.

The Manila Police District (MPD) recorded the highest decrease in serious crimes, from 100 incidents from March 2 to 8 to 64 incidents in the past week.

The MPD said there was a significant decrease in crimes in the Ermita area, with only 13 incidents in the past week compared to 23 incidents during the week prior to it.

The MPD is followed by the Quezon City Police District, which recorded a drop from 138 incidents to 108 this week, with the Lagro-Fairview area reporting a drop from 20 incidents to 12.

“This is the result of the effective and efficient implementation of increased checkpoints, mobile and beat patrols, and intensified serving of arrest warrants, including the deployment of police officers in densely populated areas such as malls, train stations and terminals,” Espina added.

The 25-percent decrease is part of a downward trend that started in June 16, 2014, when crimes against property were recorded at 793 incidents.