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BAGUIO CITY, Philippines—The summer capital experienced a miracle of sorts during the five-day visit of Pope Francis: Two days of zero crime.
No crime was recorded from Jan. 16 to 17 when Metro Manila declared a holiday to accommodate the itinerary of Francis, Senior Supt. Rolando Miranda, city police director, said, citing police records.
These were also the days when Baguio again suffered its second set of traffic gridlocks because of visiting motorists, mostly from Metro Manila.
Police were prepared for a surge in criminality due to the influx of tourists, Miranda said, adding that police officers were deployed to augment the Pope’s security in Manila and Eastern Visayas
The city police normally deal with at least five reported crimes in a day. Most of these crimes range from thefts or shoplifting to brawls that lead to serious physical injuries.
“I myself wondered why there was no reported crime at all. Perhaps these criminals took time off and were afraid to commit a sin while the Pope was in the country. Perhaps they heeded the Pope’s appeal for mercy and compassion,” Miranda said.
He said the police officers, who secured the Pope, returned here on Tuesday and were given a two-day rest before they reported back to work.
February is going to be another busy month for the police as tourists return for the monthlong celebration of the Baguio Flower Festival as well as the alumni homecoming of the Philippine Military Academy. Desiree Caluza, Inquirer Northern Luzon