14 Metro areas placed under police tight watch

MANILA, Philippines—Fourteen areas in Metro Manila will be under close watch of policemen and force multipliers as the Christmas season officially starts this week.

Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II and newly appointed Philippine National Police ‎officer-in-charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina identified the high-crime and high-traffic areas frequented by motorists and people, particularly shopping malls and public places.

The areas include:

– Marikina

-Pasig,

-Mandaluyong

-San Juan

-Moriones

-Ermita

-Pasay

-Makati

-Muntinlupa

-Taguig,

-Quezon City including Masambong, Cubao, Kamuning and Eastwood

“We saturate these areas with police personnel because criminals cluster around commercial areas,” Roxas said in a statement Tuesday.

Under ‎PNP’s Operation Plan Lambat-Sibat is the “pasadya” program where police interventions and security measures are designed based on a particular area’s needs in solving and preventing street crimes.

Force multipliers such as volunteer radio groups and barangay (village) peacekeeping action teams were also deployed to augment police forces for additional security in convergence areas.

“Safety is probably one of the best gifts that we can give the public this season,” Roxas added.

He also advised the public to be vigilant and take necessary precautions ‎to prevent any untoward incident.