MANILA, Philippines--The chief of the Eastern POlice District (EPD) met with security officers of malls in Mandaluyong City Wednesday to coordinate peacekeeping efforts during the Christmas season, especially in the busy Ortigas commercial district.

EPD director Chief Supt. Benjardi Mantele said he was able to talk to the security managers, officers and personnel of SM Megamall, Shangri-La Plaza Mall and Star Mall, among others.

?I introduced them to the officers of EPD headquarters and the Mandaluyong police for proper coordination,? he said.

?This way, the security guards will be familiar with our police officials and they will know who to coordinate with in case there?s a major incident,? Mantele said.

The official said he expected a ?10 to 20 percent rise? in criminal incidents at the peak of the Christmas shopping rush in the next few weeks.

?We expect an increase in crimes against property, but not so drastic because we?re doing our jobs properly to limit these criminal activities,? Mantele said.

To do this, he said police visibility would have to be doubled during the holiday season to monitor the big crowds in shopping centers around the Ortigas district.

He added that the EPD would give the mall officers a lecture on crime prevention and emergency response today.

?We will show and teach them what to look for when conducting their routine bag inspection, and what to do and who to call when they find anything suspicious,? Mantele said.