As the entire Philippine National Police goes on high alert, it issued safety tips and reminders to motorists and travelers leaving their homes for the provinces this Holy Week and for the summer vacation.
In a presentation on Monday, PNP spokesperson Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr. laid out the following security tips to the public:
*Don’t let many people know you are leaving your home unattended
*Make sure house doors are locked
*Make sure that appliances are unplugged
*As much as possible, use burglar alarms
Cerbo said the PNP is urging the public to invest on high-security lock mechanisms to secure their houses.
*Close their curtains to prevent outsiders from peeking into their homes
“Close the windows so your valuables and appliances inside your homes will not be exposed,” he added.
*Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to watch over your property
“They can also ask force multipliers in our barangay (village) to check their house from time to time,” he said.
*Arrive early in terminals, sea and air ports when travelling with the elderly and children.
*Secure your tickets and passports
*Avoid wearing expensive pieces of jewelry
*Look after your belongings and constantly check them
*Be alert against snatchers
Based on the PNP statistics, robbery and theft are the most prevalent crimes during these times. According to Cerbo, the ‘‘Salisi’’ theft gang usually preys on bus passengers.
“These criminals, usually well-dressed, pretend they are travelers. Maghihintay sila ng pagkakataon, kapag nalingat ka dala na nila ang gamit mo (They will wait for an opening, then take your belongings when you’re not looking),” he said.
*If possible, travel light.
“This is both for personal comfort and security of travelers,” he added.
Before hitting the road for a long drive, the PNP advised motorists to make sure their vehicles are in good condition.
Always remember BLOWBAGETS, Cerbo said, which stands for battery, light, oil, water, brakes, air, gas, engine, tools and self.
“See to it that the driver had enough rest before going on a long drive. Also have someone who would trade places with him or her to avoid drowsy driving,” he said.
Cerbo said motorist assistance groups of policemen will be deployed in major highways as a deterrent to criminals.
“Magpahinga. Hindi baleng matagal, as long as makakarating ka na buo sa destination mo (Rest. It’s okay even when quite slow as long as you’ll reach your destination safe and sound),” he said.
*Guard your PIN
*Handle your transactions personally
“Sipagan na natin. ‘Wag na katamaran. Kapag pinakisuyo sa iba baka pagsisihan pa natin (Work on it yourself, don’t be lazy. You might regret entrusting such transactions to others),” he said.
*Protect your ATM card as if it is cash
*Be alert and think of your own safety when using an ATM
Aside from skimming devices, Cerbo said there is another modus operandi being practiced by criminal groups.
“Some thieves lurk around ATM booths to either capture PIN numbers or snatch purses,” he said.
*Check ATM for any fraudulent devices attached
*Keep records of your transactions
Cerbo also encouraged the public to seek police assistance through the PNP’s social media accounts (Twitter @pnppio and @pnphotline or Philippine National Police Facebook page) and call its “Isumbong Mo Kay TSIP” hotline at 0917-8475757. AU