PNP chief: Hijack incidents lowered in 2011

Citing gains on anti-hijacking operations in 2011, the Philippine National Police vows to intensify operations this year.

PNP chief Nicanor A. Bartolome directed all police regional offices and National Support Units to strengthen operations against organized crime groups engaged in hijacking and highway robbery.

According to Bartolome, hijacking, especially commercial cargoes, has become a nuisance to industrial growth and can also be considered as an act of economic sabotage because of its detrimental effect on trade and industry.

"Consistent with the PNP's law enforcement and public safety mandate, we are paying special attention to law enforcement support to economic development by way of ensuring industrial peace and establishing an environment conducive to economic growth," Bartolome said.

The PNP chief cited the recent neutralization of a hijack group slain in a shootout with authorities in Batangas.

Police personnel also recovered two tons of meat products after the group seized the products at the Southern Tagalog industrial zone in Calamba, Laguna.

Meanwhile, Bartolome also noted the downgrade of hijacking cases in 2011.

Based on PNP records, only 34 hijacking incidents took place last year as compared to the 46 cases in 2010, and three robbery incidents were recorded in 2011 with 17 suspects were neutralized during police operations.

According to the PNP, among the most notable results of anti-hijacking operations include the neutralization of the Sociro-Manlapaz Hijacking Group and the arrest of five suspects during an encounter on November 8, 2011 in Bacoor, Cavite.

Recovered from the group were the hijacked truck and items worth at least P5 million.
The PNP also noted the encounter with cargo hijackers on November 9, 2011 in San Pedro, Laguna that resulted to the death of the hijackers. - PIA — ARA