The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) announced on Saturday that more policemen will be deployed to reinforce the existing patrol forces to ensure peace and order in Metro Manila in the advent of the Holiday Season.
NCRPO director Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo said the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Camp Crame was sending 240 additional personnel to beef up the security units covering shopping malls and other crowded places in anticipation of increased criminal activities during the so-called “ber” months.
He added that the augmentation 368 personnel for the NCRPO would be deployed to the Southern Police District, performing in three shifts and doing eight-hour tour of duty.
“I greatly appreciate the support of our chief PNP, Gen. Rodolfo Azurin. Jr in sending augmentation personnel to support our campaign which aims among others to boost police presence through invigorated foot, mobile, and motorcycle patrol,” Estomo said.
“Now that the ‘ber’ months have started, we have anticipated that more people will be visiting entertainment areas under our jurisdiction. This reinforcement given by our Chief PNP is a big help to fill the insufficient number of police to guard our streets,” he added.
The NCRPO also reiterated its warning to the public against members of criminal groups expected to increase in Metro Manila and other parts of the country during the Christmas season.
The authorities called on the people to do their part to lessen and prevent criminal activities.
For this purpose, NCRPO issued the following safety tips to deter criminal activities.
Safety tips on the streets:
1. Day or night, do not walk in dark streets, alleys and unsafe shortcuts.
2. Stay away from dark isolated places or vacant lots at night. These areas are hangouts of criminals. Do not take chances.
3. Do not walk between parked cars in parking lots. Avoid walking alone in unlit and uncertain places. At night, wait for buses, taxicabs or jeepneys in well-lighted areas.
4. When going to economically depressed areas (slums/squatter’s area) communities, do not wear expensive jewelry and carry substantial cash. If you decide to go to such places, remove your jewelry; this may save your life or limbs.
5. Do not flash a lot of cash around when travelling. Money attracts the “bad eggs.”
Commuter safety:
1. When in a bus or jeepney, do not extend your hand out the window; your watch/jewelry could be snatched or your hand injured by another vehicle.
2. When you ride a cab, take the habit of getting the name of the cab, its plate number, and the cab driver’s name. This will be handy in case you leave something in the cab or if the driver tries to hurt or rob you.
3. Be careful with what you carry when riding on a crowded bus. If you are to carry so many things, take a cab home and check the cab well before alighting.
4. If you are to visit someone, call him/her for your expected time of arrival. This will be helpful in case an accident happens on the way. It is also advisable to always inform your relatives or neighbors where you are going and for how long you will be away.
Safety in commercial centers:
1. Never try to buy something from the sidewalks; instead, go to a department store. The goods may be a little more expensive there but it is safer since you avoid thieves, pickpockets and sidewalk hawkers.
2. Never grab a bargain sold gold watch, diamond ring or anything from the sidewalk. You are likely to be gypped with a stolen good and could be later on charged with theft.
3. Never exchange your wrist watch, expensive pen or gold ring for “a found diamond ring”. Never bargain or argue with strangers in the streets. Ignore them and just leave.
4. Never go with a stranger to get a bargain article. You may be robbed or gypped at the back street.
Tips for women:
1. If someone is talking you, seek the help of security guards (when inside a building) and then call or go to the nearest police block/station in your area.
2. Do not ride a jeepney if there are no female passengers inside, wait for the next vehicles. It is safer to take a bus if you are commuting alone at night. Sit near the driver if passengers are predominantly male.
3. Do not hitch a ride with a person you do not know very well. It is always safer to take the bus, jeepney or taxicab.
4. Avoid watching movies alone; always take someone with you – a relative or trusted friend.
5. Ask somebody to accompany you when traveling, especially if night will overtake you.
6. Always carry in your bag a whistle or anything that may be used to sound alarm when in danger. Scream or shout for help when you are in danger of being attacked.