MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) expects a surge in crime, specifically robbery and theft, amid the continuing increase in the prices of basic commodities, Director General Avelino Razon Jr. said Thursday.

"[But] we are addressing this and according to the National Capital Region Police Office [NCRPO] chief [Director Geary Barias], they have programs in place to prevent and deter the surge of these crimes as a result of these [increases in the price of] fuel, prices of goods and commodities," Razon told reporters during a gun show at SM Megamall.

Although he had no data immediately available, Razon noted that there has been a rise in crimes against property and crimes against persons, such as rape.

"In anticipation we have added more police visibility [and] more patrolling assets as deterrent to crimes," said Razon.

Razon added they are also beefing up security in public transport facilities as the number of commuters increases, a situation pickpockets might take advantage of.

"Inaalagan natin 'yung transport sector dahil tumaas ang presyo ng gas [We are watching the transport sector because gas prices have risen] and people will tend to leave their cars behind and avail of the mass transport system like MRT, LRT, jeeps, and buses so ating dinagdagan ang police visibility [we are beefing up police visibility]," he said.

Earlier, the PNP also called on the public to be more vigilant.