Carnap Cases Decline in Quezon City

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Quezon City will soon shed its reputation as Metro Manila’s "carnap capital," officials said yesterday.

Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Senior Superintendent Magtanggol Gatdula cited "a pattern of decline" involving carnap incidents in the city since 2001.

Based on comparative statistics drawn by police, Gatdula noted that records showed that the 650 carnapping incidents in 2001 went down to 439 in 2002 and slid further to 346 in 2003.  

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Although the same data indicated a "slight increase" in carnapping incidents in 2004 with 370 cases, records showed that it decreased again in 2005 with 312 cases, and to 175 cases in 2006.

"While it is a fact that Quezon City has the largest land area in Metro Manila, it is noteworthy that in the entire National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), the QCPD has a total of only 175 carnapping cases in 2006 as compared to other districts," Gatdula pointed out.

According to Superintendent Asprinio Cabula of the QCPD public information office, the Southern Police District (SPD) registered a total of 331 carnapping cases while the Northern Police District registered a total of 176 carnapping cases in 2006.

Gatdula likewise refuted reports that an average of one vehicle per day was lost to carjackers in Quezon City since April 1, noting that only eight vehicles have been reported stolen since the start of the month.

He added that during the last quarter of 2006, the number of carnapping cases gradually decreased from 27 incidents in October, 25 cases in November, and to 24 cases in December.

In January, police recorded 21 carnapping incidents in Quezon City, which went down to 17 cases in February. Carnapping incidents increased to 18 cases last month, and then went down to eight cases as of April 13.

"I have ordered a total review of the carnapping operations in Quezon City in order to reinforce the campaign, which now involves local government officials, barangay officials, security guards and other police force multipliers," Gatdula said.

In a memorandum submitted by Gatdula to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Calderon, he said the QCPD has taken steps to "rejuvenate" the campaign against carnapping in the city.

Among these steps are the deployment of visibility patrol and intelligence personnel in identified crime-prone areas, the implementation of the "No Plate, No Travel" policy, and a public information drive.

"A comprehensive analysis on carnapping was conducted to determine factors that make Quezon City a favourite hunting ground for carnappers. The operationalization of the study is producing positive results as evidenced by the continuous decrease of carnapping cases," Gatdula stated in the memorandum dated April 16, a copy of which was obtained by The STAR.

He said their anti-carnapping campaign also resulted in "significant accomplishments" such as the recovery of 40 motor vehicles, including 22 cars and 18 motorcycles, since November last year. 

Gatdula also revealed the QCPD’s production of a 60-second video featuring anti-carnapping tips will soon be shown in movie theaters throughout Quezon City and government-owned television stations "to increase the awareness of the public about the modus operandi of carnappers."

By Katherine Adraneda
The Philippine Star 04/17/2007

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