Metro crime rate down in Holy Week – PNP

Metro Manila's crime rate during the Holy Week dropped by 20 percent compared against the same period last year, statistics from the Philippine National Police showed Monday. PNP chief Director General Oscar Calderon said the improvement in the average crime rate in Metro Manila and other parts of the country from April 1 to 8 could be attributed to the police’s efforts in maintaining peace and order throughout the country. Though happy over the development, Calderon said police forces nationwide should not let its guard down in ensuring the stability of the peace and order in their respective areas, more so for the duration of the election period until June this year. The PNP has been on heightened alert since late last month, when the New People’s Army (NPA) observed its 38th founding anniversary. “The observance of the Holy Week was generally peaceful. Crime incidents in Metro Manila dropped by 20 percent," said PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Samuel Pagdilao Jr. Pagdilao said the figure was the lower compared to past Holy Week celebrations as well other holidays like Christmas and All Saint’s Day. Even as regional police offices have yet to submit their peace and order assessment during Holy Week, Pagdilao was optimistic that crime incidents in other parts of the country were similar to that of Metro Manila. - GMANews.TV