Philippine police to intensify fight against crimes

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is intensifying its fight against street crimes in the wake of increasing, high-profile cases in Metro Manila and other urban areas, official said on Saturday. PNP chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome ordered the directors for operations, intelligence, investigation and police community relations to initiate action and address the situation with "urgency and effect." He said a strategic review of Police Integrated Patrol System was conducted. "The immediate concern as I see it is to allay the apprehensions of our people of a falsely perceived crime wave sweeping the metropolis, foremost, by being able to establish reassuring police presence in the communities, and upholding certainty of punishment for criminal elements behind these incidents," Bartolome said. He stressed that operational and tactical police action on the ground will continue with renewed vigor against high-speed criminals engaged in carjacking, robbery, kidnapping and street crime.