MANILA, Philippines – Criminals in Metro Manila had better watch out: 300 “Santa cops” are coming to town.

As part of its security preparations for the holiday season, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said it would deploy some 300 policemen dressed as Santa Claus to shopping malls in the metropolis starting next month until January next year.

Security

“Our Santa cops will be there to provide security to shoppers and run after petty criminals,” NCRPO Chief Director Jefferson Soriano told Inquirer (parent company of INQUIRER.net) in an interview.

According to Soriano, the strategy would help them bring the Philippine National Police closer to the people amid the controversies besetting the police organization.

Based on their previous experience, he said policemen clad in Santa suits proved to be successful in soliciting the public’s help in solving crimes.

“Wearing Santa outfits make the policemen appear friendlier, “ Soriano said.

Presence

Apart from the 300 Santa policemen, he said an additional 1,000 policemen would be assigned to crime-prone and crowded areas in Metro Manila in anticipation of the increase in criminal incidents before the Christmas season.

Soriano added that he would also send police officers to Catholic churches to protect those attending the traditional "Simbang Gabi" (midnight Mass) from snatchers and pickpockets.

At the same time, he warned NCRPO personnel from soliciting gifts from businessmen and owners of commercial establishments.

Soriano said violators would face administrative sanctions. “We are there to protect the people, and not to collect anything from them,” he stressed.