LAW enforcers on Saturday advised families on vacation to avoid taking “selfie” photos indicating their location because criminal elements, especially members of the so-called “Akyat-Bahay Gang,” might take advantage of their absence from home.
“Make sure that our homes’ doors are also properly locked before we go on a trip. Be cautious in posting location status update on social media,” the National Capital Region Police Office stated in its latest advisory in connection with the observance of the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
The authorities said people taking a “selfie” while on vacation outside their home and posting travel (road trip) photos on the social media, such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, may give the criminals that they can easily break into homes.
NCRPO chief Oscar Albayalde also reminded residents of Metro Manila who will travel to the provinces to secure their respective homes, unplug electrical appliances and make sure that all points of entry are locked.
Petty crimes such as burglary, car theft, robbery, and snatching are common during the holidays, according to the Philippine National Police.
Motorists traveling to the provinces are also reminded to check their vehicles’ battery, light, oil, water, brakes, air, gas, engine, tire and their selves before embarking on a trip.
Albayalde also encouraged the public to report immediately any untoward incident to the established Police Assistance Desks in 99 cemeteries and nearest police stations.
“Please do help our policemen to ensure peace and order during this holiday Undas 2016,” he said.
The NCRPO deployed more than 9,000 police personnel to secure orderly situation in cemeteries, bus terminals, airports and seaports and other crowded places in Metro Manila.
In 2014, TIME Magazine has recognized the Philippines, especially the cities of Makati, Pasig and Cebu as “Selfie Capital of the World” for having the most number of people taking selfies per capita than any other city worldwide.
The cities of Makati and Pasig posted 258 self-takers per 100,000 people, making it number one in the list of 459 cities evaluated by the magazine.