Fewer crimes in Metro Manila during papal visit

MANILA, Philippines - The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) recorded fewer crimes during the visit of Pope Francis in Metro Manila.

The NCRPO said that it recorded 14 incidents on Saturday and Sunday in Metro Manila, which is way below the average number of crimes recorded in the capital on regular days.

The NCRPO said it records an average of 94 crimes daily or 660 crimes in Metro Manila in a week.

Among the incidents is the arrest Sonnyboy Anonnat, an agent of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), for possession of a 9mm pistol in the vicinity of the papal motorcade's route.

Anonnat was arrested by members of the Manila Police District- Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU) along Pres. Quirino Avenue in Plaza Dilao, Paco, Manila at 11 a.m. on Saturday.

Anonnat reportedly tried to cross a traffic barricade on board a motorcycle when he was stopped by the policemen. He failed to present a Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence (PTCFOR).

Another incident recorded was the arrest of a photographer on Saturday morning for flying a drone camera over Roxas Boulevard in Manila, which was declared a no-fly zone during the papal visit.

The photographer was identified as Michael Sy Yu, 35 of the Snap Creative Inc. He was arrested for flying the drone without an operator's certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.

Police accosted Yu while flying the UAV in the vicinity of Diamond Hotel where 85 Vatican-accredited journalists and 36 Vatican bishops were billeted.

The other cases recorded by the police include shoplifting at the SM Araneta Center, two injured victims in separate cases of hit and run in Quezon City; a grenade explosion in Navotas City; six separate cases of stolen motor vehicle; a shooting incident; and a stabbing incident.

Three fire incidents were also recorded in Manila, Quezon City and Valenzuela City during the weekend.