Police on heightened alert for ‘ber’ months

The Philippines boasts one of the world’s longest Christmas seasons, kicking off in September with fairy lights and artificial trees decorating malls, festive tunes on the radio and party-packed calendars. But the coronavirus pandemic looks set to be the grinch that spoils the four-month-long celebration this year. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Guillermo Eleazar has ordered police officers to be more visible in public areas during the “ber” months, which mark the beginning of the Christmas season for the year in the country.

This is because crime goes up during the holiday season, Eleazar said.

As well as monitoring crimes, Eleazar ordered the police to enforce health safety protocol in public places.

“Hindi man katulad ng dati kung saan ramdam ang pagpasok ng “ber” months dahil sa hinaharap nating pandemya, mananatiling naka-alerto ang inyong PNP sa pagbabantay sa ating mga kababayan lalo na sa lugar na dating tambayan kung saan maaaring magbaka-sakali ang mga snatcher at iba pang mga pasaway sa lipunan gaya ng palengke lalo na ang Divisoria at iba pang mga lugar,” Eleazar said in a statement.

(While it is different from before when “ber” months were more festive, the PNP will remain vigilant on the public, especially at places where pickpockets and other troublemakers are usually found, like in markets, particularly in Divisoria.)

“Subalit pangunahin pa ring tututukan ng inyong kapulisan ang pagpapatupad ng mga public health safety protocols dahil sa kabila ng mga pagsubok na ating hinaharap, mahalaga pa rin na ligtas at magkakasama ang bawat pamilyang Pilipino sa kanilang mga tahanan tungo sa pagdiriwang ng kapaskuhan,” Eleazar added.

(The police will, however, continue to enforce public health and safety protocols to ensure the safety of Filipinos and their families during the Christmas season.)

RELATED STORIES

As pandemic led to crime decline, it also gave rise to abuses

PNP records 54 percent drop in index crimes during quarantine