Crime incidents in Metro Manila down during Holy Week – PNP

MANILA, Philippines - The number of crime incidents in Metro Manila during the observance of Holy Week went down by about 30 percent compared to the first two weeks of the month. National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Geary Barias on Monday attributed the "relatively peaceful situation" last week to the "blessedness of the Lenten season," and the deployment of policemen in bus stations, churches and other crowded places. In a news briefing at Camp Crame, Barias said there were only 117 crime incidents last week, as against 179 reported from March 1 to 7 period, and 148 during the March 8 to 14 period. Crimes against persons, in particular, were reduced to 28 last week from 90 in the first week and 58 in the second week of March. Crimes against persons, however, were at the same level every week – 89 on the first week, 90 on the second week, and 89 last week. Barias said most of the incidents happened in the Southern Police District (SPD) area, which covers the cities of Makati, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Taguig and Pateros. The official does not have a figure on the number of crime incidents during the Holy Week last year, but he surmised "it could have been higher." - GMANews.TV