Metro Manila is one
of the areas with the highest number of crime cases in the Philippines. NCRPO identified
top 5 Metro hotspots that are crime prone. Is one of those areas where you live
at or you always pass by? What are those
areas and why it becomes a hotbed for criminal activities?
Crimes on streets turn out to be a common scenario for most
Filipinos especially on busy and crowded areas of Metro Manila. In our days where
crimes are rampant, is it still safe for you to walk along the streets of the
city?
According to National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO)
statistics, Baclaran in Pasay city is on the top list of the most number of
street crimes in Metro Manila particularly rape,
robbery and theft because it is
larger compared to other areas. Next
to Baclaran is Cubao in Quezon City which is known to be always a busy area
with thick crowd and rushing vehicles. On the third spot is the University Belt
in Manila which is packed by different college students. And for the fourth and
fifth spots are Monumento in Caloocan City and Kalentong in Mandaluyong City.
Salisi Gang and Budol-budol Gang are two of the top modus operandi of the most common crimes in Metro Manila according to Police
Regional Office 9. Where their most
target are places where there are large amount of people and waiting for their
target to be distracted.
Thick crowd is one of the factors most criminals considered
because they can hardly be seen and distinguished. Another thing is places with
business and school establishments. For them, students are very easy target
because they barely much know about self-defense and they are usually techy with lots of gadgets. However,
Volunteers against Graft and Corruption (VACC) believes that low bail for
criminals must be also consider because they were able to pay and be free again.
And last of all, is lack of police deployment.
As of February 2013, there were 4,984 crimes against person and property in Metro Manila. These are only crimes that have been reported
to police but how about some cases that haven’t been yet reported?
Some cases were not taken into account because some people don’t
bother going to police and report their experience. Apparently because there
were no police around and they find it quite hassle going to police station and
many victims were discouraged by the tedious process of reporting their
experience, following up their case and attending court hearings. The PNP Chief
Police Director Purisima mentioned a survey done last year which estimated that
about 70 per cent of street robberies and other crimes went unreported.
With the aim of NCRPO Regional Director Marcelo Garbo Jr.
this year to reduce at least 50% of street crimes, they deployed additional police
forces to identified hot spot area of Metro Manila. This is to improve crime
prevention and solution and ensure quick response.
For unreported crimes, Garbo required all officers to be
accurate in reporting statistics and make a review assessment and security
plans every week to know the crime trends and make analysis that could be used
to fight crime. According to him, the police often have to verify actual crime
incidents with barangay officials since some law enforcers actually meddle with
the police blotter to reduce the crime rate in their area.
They also believe the use of social media sites such as twitter and facebook as a medium for interaction with people who cannot report
to police stations.
Hopingly, these police actions will be effective to reduce crimes
in Metro Manila for people to be felt safe and secured without the anxiety of getting
snatched, raped or kidnapped.
