25 rounded up in Manila anti-crime campaign

MANILA, Philippines - At least 25 persons were arrested in separate operations in Manila Wednesday night as part of the city government’s anti-crime drive.

Twenty persons were apprehended in Tondo and five more in Sta. Ana for drinking on the street or going without a shirt in public.

Superintendent Robert Domingo, who heads the Manila Police District (MPD) Station 1, said the nightly raids are to rid the city of undesirable elements in preparation for the opening of classes.

Meanwhile, street sweeper Erwin Maliwat was arrested for not wearing a helmet while driving a motorcycle at the intersection of Quezon Boulevard and Raon Street at around 4 a.m. yesterday.

Police Officer 1 Mark King Hernandez, who arrested Maliwat, also confiscated a .45 caliber pistol with four bullets from the street sweeper, said Superintendent Jackson Tuliao, MPD Station 3 commander.

The gun is being examined to determine if it is the same firearm used in the killing of journalist Alex Balcoba Sr. two weeks ago in the same area, Tuliao said.