THE Philippine National Police (PNP) reminded the general public to remain vigilant against thieves who might prey on unattended homes during the holidays.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine National Police – Maritime Group (PNP-MARIG) advised all passengers at Batangas Port Terminal to be alert and avoid engaging unauthorized transactions outside the terminal premises.
“One of the most common incidents we record during these holidays is people climbing houses and breaking doors and windows,” PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said during a press briefing at Camp Crame.
“That is why we constantly remind our countrymen, especially those who will be on vacation and will be away from their homes and work establishments for a few days, to make sure that the homes and shops they leave behind are secured and safe,” Fajardo said.
“Cops will be mobilized in local barangays to make sure that houses and establishments are well secured,” she added.
Fajardo also disclosed that as of Monday, some 37,000 policemen across the country have been mobilized to maintain law and order during the Yuletide season.
Fajardo also admonished the motorists to ensure the road worthiness of their vehicles, avoid intoxication, and have enough rest before hitting the road to ward off accidents.
She also advised commuters to be vigilant against pickpockets and robber.
At the Batangas port, the PCG warned against fixers offering speedy vehicle boarding services in exchange for a fee.
The warning was served amid the surge of cars and other vehicles during the holidays which created opportuni9ties for illicit transactions.
Port authorities have apprehended some individuals who were caught coercing motorists and passengers to pay for unauthorized facilitation services.
The operation followed reports circulating on social media about extortion incidents along the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Access Road.
Personnel from Coast Guard Station (CGS) Batangas, the Coast Guard Intelligence Unit of Southern Tagalog (CGIU-STL), and the PNP-MARIG Batangas City were mobilized to protect the travelers.
A motorcyclist bound to Victoria, Oriental Mindoro narrated that two fixers offered to facilitate his boarding for P1,000, but the transaction was aborted with the timely intervention of the authorities.
