MANILA, Philippines?With the Holy Week and summer break just a few days away, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has come up with contingency measures to help prevent the expected rise in the number of crimes that accompany the period.

Supt. Rommel Miranda, NCRPO spokesperson, said that the Metro Manila police automatically implements a particular security arrangement in the capital for the months of April and May.

?We have been implementing this program through the years and it?s automatic [for the police] to roll out the program during summer,? he told the Inquirer in a phone interview.

According to Miranda, the public can expect more police assistance centers to be set up in different places, especially in malls which are usually packed with people seeking a respite from the scorching heat.

On the other hand, travelers whose vehicles develop problems can seek help from motorists? assistance centers at the outskirts of the metropolis.

And to ensure their safety, checkpoints along the North and South Luzon Expressways will be put up with private motoring groups whom the NCRPO has teamed up with.

On top of all these, barangay officials and homeowners? association have asked the police for help in conducting visibility patrols in different areas to help deter criminals who break into the houses of people who will be going home to their provinces during summer or Holy Week.

Miranda said law enforcers have already begun patrolling areas.

?There are places where we can not just go in because these are private property,? he explained. ?All people should do is to coordinate with us if they want patrols in their areas.?

Meanwhile, the NCRPO has also begun preparations for the high-level ministerial meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) which begins next week.

Miranda appealed for understanding from the public when dignitaries and heads of state start arriving in Manila for the meeting since some areas will be closed to traffic to ensure the VIPs? security.

Security will be especially tight in the area where the meeting will be held?the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

?We will be implementing traffic rerouting in the vicinity of the PICC,? Miranda said. ?In effect, we are closing some parts of the area because the occasion requires tight security. After all, we are hosts to heads of states and other diplomats.?

The official added that some closed circuit television cameras have been placed at the airport ?so that we know what is happening starting at their point of entry,? referring to visiting dignitaries. On the other hand, monitors have also been set up at the PICC command post where NCRPO Director Roberto Rosales will be closely watching developments.

?We appeal to everyone to bear with us. We have to put our best foot forward as hosts to this meeting,? Miranda said.

Police have likewise put in place a three-level security cordon in Manila Bay to avert possible terrorist attacks.

?This concern was raised by the Mumbai bombings in which the attackers came from the sea,? Miranda said.