INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — As the holiday season approaches, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is seeing a slight increase in theft and robbery cases in large regions such as Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon.
“Sa mga ganitong panahon ng kapaskuhan ay nagkakaroon po talaga tayo ng mga slight increase pagdating po doon sa mga tinatawag nating crimes against property, particularly ‘yan pong theft at robbery,” PNP spokesperson Colonel Jean Fajardo said on Teleradyo’s Sakto Monday.
(There really is a slight increase in crimes against property, particularly theft and robbery, during the Christmas season.)
Crimes, Fajardo said, usually happen in crowded places such as flea markets, wet markets, and public transport terminals.
Fajardo also shared that police deployment has been adjusted following the mall operating hour adjustments to guide the public. Malls are now open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. to reduce traffic congestion.
“Dahil nga po doon sa in-implement nga po na adjusted mall hours ay nag-adjust din po ng deployment ang ating PNP, particularly doon po sa mga areas na may mga malalaking mall po tayo, para magabayan din po natin ‘yung ating mga kababayan at makatulong din po tayo sa pagbabantay, lalong-lalo na diyan sa mga malalapit sa mga areas kung saan talagang nakikita natin na may dagsa po ng mga tao,” she explained.
(Because of the implemented adjustment of mall hours, we likewise adjusted our deployment, particularly in areas with large malls, to guide our people and help in guarding, especially areas nearby crowded places.)
The PNP is currently on normal alert in Metro Manila but it will heighten its alert as December nears, said Fajardo.