The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday urged owners of establishments – particularly pawnshops, banks, remittance centers, jewelry shops, and the like – to survey their surroundings and inspect their drainage system before going on a holiday for the Holy Week.
This is to prevent “termite gangs,” whose modus operandi is to dig underground to break into establishments, from attacking their place.
Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos, PNP spokesperson, said that even with more than 75,000 policemen securing the country for the Holy Week and summer, the public should maintain their vigilance against criminals.
The holidays in observance of the Holy Week for Catholics will start on Maundy Thursday, April 13.
“Pansinin niyo na po yung mga nasa paligid niyo as early as now – kung may mga bagong lipat, bagong mukha, bagong nag-rent sa katabing unit or bahay. At tignan niyo drainage system niyo,” he said. “Do an external 360-degree inspection of your establishment kasi long weekend. Yan yung paboritong oras ng mga termite gang.”
(“Take note of your surroundings as early as now – if there are new tenants, new faces, new people renting in units or houses beside you and look at your drainage system. Do an external 360-degree inspection of your establishment, because it’s a long weekened. That’s the favorite time of termite gangs.”)
Carlos also advised those who will be away for a vacation during the long weekend to double check their home to make sure it would be safe from fire and burglars.
The PNP has sent over 75,000 policemen across the country to ensure the safety of people traveling from Metro Manila to the provinces and vice versa.
As part of the PNP’s security campaign Oplan SumVac (summer vacation), Carlos said cops had been deployed to seaports, airports, bus terminals, and major thoroughfares.
Police assistance desks were also set up in convergence areas, including malls, markets, and other establishments. /atm/rga