Mayor explains high city crime rate

Sunday, May 15, 2011

CLARK FREEPORT -- Mayor Oscar Rodriguez has an explanation for the city’s high crime rate -- the police blotter includes even the smallest crimes committed in villages.

Rodriguez explained that City Police Director Luisitio Magnaye affirmed that even the smallest crimes were reflected on the police blotter.

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Pampanga Deputy Provincial Director Superintendent Elbert Pagente earlier reported that 132 high-profile crimes (murder, rape, theft, robbery and encounters with riders in tandem) in the Pampanga’s third district were recorded from January to April 2011.

Of the 132 crimes in the third district, 116 were committed in San Fernando.

Rodriguez also added the city’s population and business activities compared to neighboring third district towns.

“San Fernando is the center of activities. We have about one million day time population so you expect many people from different places to be in the city,” he said.

However, Rodriguez said if the high crime rate remains, the police needed to exert more effort for the maintenance of peace and order.

“I told the police it’s a challenge to them, to us. But we need the help of provincial officials since we’re still a component city. If our high crime rate really the problem, let us jointly and seriously address that,” Rodriguez said.