Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Police Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar said that the National Capital Region Police Office will sustain its enhanced visibility in all areas of convergence, particularly around malls that are set to extend their operating hours, with focus on crime prevention.
With Metro Manila placed under Alert Level 2 and the general curfew lifted, more people have been flocking to public leisure and amusement centers including malls.
According to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), mall operations from Monday to Friday will be from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. beginning Nov. 15.
“Bagama’t nakatutok pa rin ang ating NCRPO personnel sa pagpapatupad ng minimum public health standards, mas magiging focus ngayon ng ating kapulisan ang crime prevention lalo na sa mga lugar na karaniwang dinarayo ng ating mga kababayan. Partikular dito ang mga malls na nakatakdang magpalawig ng kanilang hours of operation,” Eleazar said.
“Inaasahan natin na habang papalapit ang Kapaskuhan at mas maraming tao ang nasa labas ay mas magiging aktibo ang masasamang loob. Thus, the NCRPO is currently beefing up police visibility in all areas of convergence and ramping up patrols to deprive criminals of the opportunity to strike,” he added.
The Chief PNP directed local police commanders to coordinate with the management of malls in their areas of responsibility to discuss the security measures that need to be undertaken in anticipation of extended mall operation hours.
Eleazar also reminded the public to continue observing health and safety protocols, including wearing face masks and observing physical distancing.
“Ang simpleng pagsunod natin sa minimum public health standards, ang pagsusuot ng face mask at pagtiyak sa physical distancing, ay malaking tulong na para maiwasan ang muling pagdami ng mga kaso ng COVID-19,” he quipped.
The government decided to place NCR under Alert Level 2 beginning Nov. 5 until Nov. 21.
Under Alert Level 2, establishments are allowed to operate indoors at 50% capacity with an additional 10% capacity if they have a safety seal, while for outdoors, they will be permitted at 70%. (PNP-PIO) – bny
