PNP heightens police visibility during ‘ber’ months

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered increased police visibility in areas expected to draw larger crowds as the country enters the “ber” months.

According to PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., regional and city police offices are directed to strengthen police visibility, patrols and monitoring in commercial establishments, transport terminals, markets and other public places where people are expected to converge.

He also ordered PNP personnel to strengthen presence in crime-prone areas across the country.

The PNP chief said police units would coordinate closely with local authorities and other stakeholders to address emerging security concerns.

“Our priority is to prevent crimes before they happen and ensure a safe and peaceful holiday season,” Nartatez said in a press release on Wednesday.

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Meanwhile, Nartatez urged the public to secure their belongings, avoid sharing real-time locations online and immediately report suspicious activities to authorities to prevent crimes, such as theft, robbery, and scams.

He pointed out that keeping communities safe during the holiday season would require cooperation between the police and the public. Rendell Ivan Manuel, INQUIRER.net trainee /jpv