Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police Gen. Guillermo Eleazar tasked police personnel to be more visible in public areas such as malls and shopping centers as the ‘ber months’ begin.
The start of the ‘ber’ months ushers in the beginning of the Christmas season in the Philippines when Filipinos usually flock to malls or other leisure areas.
With the unusual situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Eleazar directed police officers to ensure that the minimum health standards are observed by the public in shopping centers and other public places.
“Hindi man katulad ng dati kung saan ramdam ang pagpasok ng ‘ber months’ dahil sa hinaharap nating pandemya, mananatiling naka-alerto ang inyong PNP sa pagbabantay sa ating mga kababayan,” Eleazar said.
“[Ito ay] lalo na sa lugar na dating tambayan kung saan maaring magbaka-sakali ang mga snatcher at iba pang mga pasaway sa lipunan, gaya ng palengke, lalo na ang Divisoria at iba pang mga lugar.”
Eleazar also said there is usually an increase in crime incidents during the holiday season. A heightened police visibility will prevent lawless elements from doing any criminal activities, he added.
“Subalit pangunahin pa ring tututukan ng inyong kapulisan ang pagpapatupad ng mga public health safety protocols, dahil sa kabila ng mga pagsubok na ating hinaharap, mahalaga pa rin na ligtas at magkakasama ang bawat pamilyang Pilipino sa kanilang mga tahanan tungo sa pagdiriwang ng Kapaskuhan,” the PNP chief said.
Eleazar urged the public to cooperate with authorities in their continued enforcement of the guidelines in the midst of the pandemic. (PNP-PIO) – jlo
