Over 500 cops secure Chinatown on Chinese New Year

More than 500 uniformed police personnel from Manila and the Metro Manila regional police office secured Manila’s Chinatown district Thursday as Chinese Filipinos welcomed the Year of the Metal Rabbit. Radio dzBB reported the police personnel were deployed to the commercial district and to areas where traditional activities such as the dragon and lion dance were to be held. Many of the police personnel were also assigned to keep watch over parts of Reina Regente Street, which were closed to traffic to give way to the New Year festivities.

The police also had instructions to help traffic aides enforce a rerouting plan around Reina Regente Street. On the other hand, police advised the public anew to remain vigilant against snatchers and muggers. A report by dzBB's Carlo Mateo said teams from the Metro Manila police arrived in Binondo Thursday morning to support the Manila police. Since Wednesday afternoon, police had secured parts of the city’s Binondo district as revelers and shoppers prepared to welcome the New Year. Many streets in Chinatown were crowded Wednesday night as residents bought lucky charms from shops that remained open at last night. — LBG, GMANews.TV