No pickpocketing, snatching in Divisoria since Dec. 16 —NCRPO chief Albayalde

No incident of pickpocketing or snatching was reported in Divisoria since December 16, National Capital Region Police Office head Director Oscar Albayalde said Friday.

"Since nagsimula 'yung Christmas season, walang incident ng snatching sa lugar na ito despite na napakaraming tao," Albayalde told reporters as he conducted an inspection in Divisoria.

Previously, there were at least two to three incidents of snatching reported every day, he said.

He believes this is due to the increased police presence in the area.

"One thing is 'yung deployment ng personnel natin. 'Yung PNP uniformed personnel natin dito napakarami," he said.

"Ang incidents na nai-report dito since December ay missing children, mga dalawa hanggang tatlo bawat araw, pero naibabalik naman sa mga magulang. Ang meron (ay) theft sa loob ng mall, shoplifting," he added.

Manila Police District chief Senior Supt. Joel Coronel said there were 16 incidents of missing children since December 16. Four incidents of shoplifting were also reported with four suspects arrested.

He said there were 700,000 people in Divisoria Friday morning and he expected the number to increase as the day goes by.

"Mamaya dadami 'yang mga tao. Lalo pa bukas dadami," he said.

Inspection

Albayade also inspected stores selling fruits, horns, and toys.

He also inspected firecracker stalls for illegal items. He found no illegal firecrackers being sold.

"'Pag may illegal firecracker ay kailangang makumpiska at maaresto 'yung nagtitinda kasi selling, buying, and possession, pare-parehong acts prohibited. Whether you are selling, buying, or in possession nung mga ipinagbabawal under Republic Act 7183," he said.

Baclaran

The NCRPO chief then proceeded to Baclaran where he distributed pamphlets warning against firecrackers.

"Ang nakita naman natin dito ay walang masyadong nagtitinda ng paputok kasi 'yung precinct commander dito, dahil EOD [Explosives and Ordnance Disposal] graduate, ipinagbawal ang pagbebenta ng paputok.

Meron tayong nakita kanina pero puro luces lang," he said.

He said some 10,000 to 20,000 people usually go to Baclaran.

He said he instructed the precinct commander to allow the vendors to sell their wares on the sidewalk but ensure that the road is clear.

"Ang sinabi natin sa PCP commander na huwag takpan ang kalsada para 'yung mga motorista nakakadaan pa rin kasi magagalit sa atin 'yung mga motorista kapag 'yung kalsada ma-occuppy ng mga vendors na ito," he said.

"I gave instruction na hayaan 'yung mga vendor dahil naghahanapbuhay 'yan. However, huwag lang takpan o i-occupy ang kalsada para hindi sagabal sa kalsada," he added. —KG, GMA News