Cops nab 40 people in new ‘zoning’ operation in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - Police rounded up at least 40 residents in Manila's Ermita district before dawn Saturday in an intensified anti-criminality drive in the city. DZBB's Louie Garcia reported that most of those arrested were from Apacible Street and other areas known to be hideouts of thieves and muggers. The Manila Police District (MPD) Station 5 said the 40 suspects would be subjected to record verification and would be sent home if they turn out "clean." Saturday's predawn operation came after police rounded up more than 30 residents in the city's Tondo district in a similar anti-crime drive. The intensified anti-crime drive began a week before President Arroyo would deliver her State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28. On the other hand, Philippine National Police chief Dir. Gen. Avelino Razon Jr. said he has ordered the monitoring of statistics on crimes against property amid the expected rise in poverty incidence due to rising costs of living. - GMANews.TV