MANILA, Philippines — Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome, director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), warned all precinct and station commanders in Metro Manila to intensify their campaign against street crimes or face relief for negligence. This, as Bartolome said that he will implement a one-strike policy within the metropolis, wherein Police Community Precinct (PCP) commanders would be relieved should a crime perpetrated by motorcycle-riding criminals occur within their respective areas of jurisdiction.
“On the first instance of any riding in-tandem-related crimes, the Police Community Precinct Commander will immediately be administratively relieved. On the second instance, the Station Commander will also be administratively relieved,” said Bartolome in a phone interview.
Bartolome said the new security campaign plan against street crimes is aimed at stamping out robberies, snatching, and other crimes against property with the onset of the release of bonuses to private and government employees.
What Bartolome wants is for precinct and station commanders to double their security efforts in areas where people are expected to flock before and during the Christmas seasons like in Divisoria in Manila, Baclaran in Parañaque City and other malls within the metropolis.
Last Friday, Bartolome said he had led the deployment of what he called as Motorized Street Crimes Operatives (MASCOs) whose job is to counter motorcycle-riding in tandem criminals.
“The influx of people in shopping areas also requires greater police visibility. The MASCOs will complement the foot and mobile patrols deployed by the different police stations in Metro Manila,” said Bartolome.
Senior Superintendent Agrimero Cruz, Jr., spokesman of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said the deployment of MASCOs is expected to be replicated in key urban areas across the country.
Currently, Cruz said they are expediting the preparations since their target is to deploy as many as motorcycle-riding tandem cops within the metropolis before December this year, a time where a lot of people are perceived to have more money due to the 13th month pay and Christmas bonus.
“We are aware that bonuses will be released as Christmas approaches and we want to protect them from robbers, snatchers and other street criminals who are expected to prowl on the streets and prey on their victims,” said Cruz.
Aaron Recuenco, Manila Bulletin
