INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–The Philippine National Police has advised the public, especially women, to be extra vigilant when going out on a date this coming Valentine’s Day.
Chief Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac, PNP Public Information Office chief, said Wednesday that not only the general public, but specifically women, should “exercise extra caution” on February 14 as criminals might take advantage of the occasion.
“We will ensure that [we] will have more police presence in all places of convergence, especially in malls, dining places, recreation areas and commercial establishments,” Sindac said.
Also, the National Capital Region Police Office placed all its units on heightened alert starting Wednesday until the Valentine’s celebration.
This means half of the police force in the metropolis must be at their posts at any given time.
But Sindac clarified that the heightened alert would not be applied to other regions except in Metro Manila.
“This is just a precautionary measure. Otherwise, it’s a regular day of law enforcement with special attention,” he said.
Recalling the past Valentine’s bombings last 2005 in Makati, Davao, and General Santos City, which killed at least eight civilians, Sindac assured that there are no threats based on the police intelligence report.
“Not just on Valentine’s Day, but any bombing matter or anything that would disrupt general peace and order would be given attention by the police,” he added.
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