ICPO launches Oplan Lampitaw
Iloilo City -- The days of snatchers and pickpockets in the city are numbered. Or so, declares the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) during the launching of Oplan Lampitaw Wednesday.
Oplan Lampitaw (local term for detective) targets snatchers and pickpockets operating on malls, schools, public utility vehicles, sidewalks and markets.
Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) Director Sr. Supt. Norlito Bautista said the scheme would deploy police personnel in said areas to discourage snatchers and pickpockets from victimizing unsuspecting individuals.
Bautista met the city's six precinct commanders to brief them about the project last Wednesday.
Bautista said four plain-clothed policemen from every precinct will be deployed during peak hours in areas frequented by people to enforce the Oplan Lampitaw.
The cops may ride on board a passenger jeepney, walk through the sidewalks and inside the malls to look for snatchers and pickpockets.
Bautista said the help of traffic enforcers will also be sought especially on cases occurring in sidewalks or public utility vehicles.
The city director said he would also call for a meeting with mall managers, jeepney and tricycle operators to brief them of the project.
Bautista disclosed that the police is casing in on one barangay kagawad from Molo district who allegedly finances cellphone thieves in the city.
Though he refused to reveal the identity of the barangay official, Bautista assured the suspect will fall into their hands soon.