There will be no holiday break for cops in Metro Manila.
This became evident after National Capital Region Police Office director Oscar Albayalde ordered all five police districts to step up their security around places of convergence in the region.
In a statement, Albayalde said the NCRPO remains on full alert this holiday season and no break will be given to its personnel.
“We will celebrate with the community where we are assigned. We encourage the public to welcome the presence of our police in areas they frequent for prayers or shopping but also report any suspicious individuals or groups so that we can immediately extend police assistance,” he said.
As the traditional Simbang Gabi starts Saturday, Albayalde directed all field commanders to ensure the deployment of personnel in churches in Metro Manila.
“Inspections will be conducted by me and our Red Teams at any given time. Likewise, I also ordered the maximized deployment of our Special Reactions Units for Oplan Sita in critical or crime-prone areas,” the NCRPO chief said.
He added “I reiterate also my previous instruction that all immediate supervisors will be held responsible for the deeds and misdeeds of their personnel.”
Albayalde earlier said he will deploy a total of 9,559 uniformed policemen to ensure peace and order and reduce crimes in critical areas in Metro Manila this holiday season.
Meanwhile, the Southern Police District cautioned the public on numerous modus operandi in public conveyances and crowded areas in the metropolis.
Aboard public utility vehicles, criminals usually go for the “laglag barya” scheme. Gang member drop coins on the floor and ask passengers to help pick them up. With their attention focused on the scattered coins, passengers fail to notice that pickpockets have already taken their valuables.
In crowded areas like open public markets and commercial centers, the “pasa-bilis” crime tactic is done by a gang whose members quickly pass from one person to another stolen items to avoid being detected.
Other gang members just slash the victim’s bag or pocket to get valuables, or quickly grab unaeattended items as they pass by.
Also placed on full alert is the maritime sector, which will start to activate next week its “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos!: Kapaskuhan 2017” to ensure the safety of the riding public during the Christmas season.
“Maritime personnel are expected to implement several safety measures and contingency plans, such as activating the Department of Transportation [DOTr] Passenger Assistance Counters, ensuring that all ships and other sea vessels are properly inspected, and all passengers, bags and cargoes are thoroughly inspected prior the boarding,” Transport Undersecretary for Maritime Felipe Judan said in a statement Friday.
The sector, which consists of the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Ports Authority and the Maritime Industry Authority, will strictly implement their respective contingency measures from Dec. 20 until Jan. 5, 2018.
Maritime personnel were likewise directed to provide regular updates on the status of incidents via text message or e-mail to their superiors.
Furthermore, a consolidated written report on the occurrences/non-occurrences of incidents should be sent through e-mail to their superiors and immediate supervisors at 7 a.m. daily.
Maritime authorities will also relay necessary public advisories such as safety tips, documentation requirements, prohibited items and safety regulations at seaports.
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade earlier reminded transport officials and personnel to assure not only the commuters’ security but also their comfort while in various public transport hubs.
“May I once again reiterate the great importance of maintaining and assuring the safety, security and comfort of the riding passengers and the public. Accordingly, please continue implementing and improving our security and safety measures to protect people, facility, structures and equipment and the like,” Tugade said.