PNP issues warning against ‘akyat bahay’ gang

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday warned the public against “akyat bahay” or robbers amid the long holiday vacation in time for the Christmas and New Year revelry.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo made the pronouncement after announcing that police will be deployed in barangays nationwide to assist barangay officials in keeping localities safe.

READ: PNP tightens security for Christmas season

“That’s what we continue to watch out for because one of the incidents that we often record during these vacations is that of people breaking into houses and breaking doors and windows,” said Fajardo in a press conference.

“That’s why we constantly remind our countrymen that, especially those who go on vacation and will be gone for a few days from their homes and establishments where they work, make sure that the houses and shops they left behind are secured and safe,” she added.

In line with this warning, Fajardo also advised the public not to share “at the moment” posts on social media that explicitly announce that they are not at their homes to avoid being targeted by robbers.

“Don’t announce that you’re leaving home, you’re already at the terminal, you’re getting on the plane and you’re already there at your destination. Avoid posting,” she said.

“This is because you are basically announcing to the thieves that you are not in your place and that is the opportunity they will use to enter your houses or your shops,” she added.

According to Fajardo, the PNP has already deployed around 37,000 police officers to assist in ensuring security and safety amid the holiday season.

She added that PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil already gave police regional directors the discretion to adjust their respective deployments as they see fit.