ILOILO City – Criminals take advantage of the holiday season, warned Police Brigadier General Rene Pamuspusan, Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) director.
He thus underscored the need to heighten security measures to deter crimes and terrorist acts in places of convergence and transportation hubs.
Starting next week, hundreds of police officers will be deployed in commercial areas all over Western Visayas to strictly implement quarantine guidelines in anticipation of the flurry of buyers and petty crimes.
“We have to suppress criminals and terrorists who will take advantage of the situation,” Pamuspusan stressed.
Police presence will be enhanced by intensifying foot and mobile patrol in areas or times where police assistance is needed.
Police assistance hubs will also be established in strategic areas, said Pamuspusans, and checkpoints will also be religiously done.
“We have to tap village officials, especially tanods, to help the police,” Pamuspusan said.
The PRO-6 will sustain its security operations during the entire Christmas season. This is primarily aimed at curbing petty crimes like theft and robbery, whose common victims are shoppers.
Police are expecting an influx of holiday shoppers in commercials areas.
The Christmas season is also when the employees’ 13th month pay and other bonuses are released, which means many people would have more money in their possession than during ordinary days.
Pamuspusan advised the public to beware of swindlers.
“Be safe this holiday season – do not talk to strangers when shopping,” he stressed./PN
