The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday sought to calm fears of a possible rise in robbery and theft amid increasing prices of goods, even as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured the public of stable food supply and prices in the coming months.
PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police force has long been preparing for worst-case scenarios tied to economic pressures from the conflict in the Middle East.
“We believe that the present economic challenge will not spiral out of control in terms of peace and order. That is not in our blood as Filipinos. But the PNP’s security plan and personnel training are always geared towards worst-case scenarios,” Nartatez said.
Amid these concerns, Mr. Marcos said the government is working with suppliers and retailers to ensure steady availability of essential goods and manageable prices.
“Simple lang naman, nandito tayo upang tingnan ang supply ng pagkain at ang presyuhan ng Pagkain (It’s simple — we’re here to check the food supply and the prices of food),” the President said during a visit to the distribution center of Century Pacific Food Inc.
He noted the facility represents about 10 percent of the company’s total stock, reflecting broader supply stability across the food sector.
“Ibig sabihin, hindi lamang ang Century kundi ang iba’t ibang mga food processors at saka retailers ay maayos naman ang stock natin (This means that not only Century but also other food processors and retailers have adequate stocks),” he said.
Mr. Marcos added that some private firms have agreed to temporarily hold off on price increases despite economic pressures.
“At bukod pa roon ay sila naman ay pumapayag na… hindi muna tataas ang presyo hanggat kaya nila. Kaya siguro mga isang buwan, ‘yung iba baka dalawang buwan hindi magagalaw ‘yung presyo,” he said.
(And aside from that, they’ve agreed… that they won’t raise prices for as long as they can. So maybe for about a month, and for others maybe even two months, prices will remain unchanged.)
He assured the public there is no need for concern over supply levels.
“Ang supply ay hindi kailangan na mag-alala ang taong-bayan. Ang food supply natin ay sapat kahit na pangmatagalan (There’s no need for the public to worry about the supply. Our food supply is sufficient, even for the long term),” the President said.
The developments come as authorities continue to monitor the impact of global economic pressures on prices, while stepping up both public safety and food security measures.
Meanwhile, Nartatez said police have intensified foot and mobile patrols, particularly in high-risk areas such as markets, transport hubs, and commercial districts, and is using data analytics to identify crime hotspots.
“We have intensified foot and mobile patrols… The PNP is not only reactive, we are preventive,” he added.
The PNP has also increased police visibility in public areas, set up random checkpoints, and deployed mobile patrol units during peak hours, while maintaining coordination with local government units and community leaders.
“Rest assured that the PNP is fully prepared and on top of the situation. There is no need to worry, but we must remain vigilant. Everyone’s cooperation is important to keep our communities safe,” Nartatez said.
