By Brian Campued
The public is urged to intensify vigilance against online scams that usually proliferate during the observance of “Undas” as well as the holiday season, particularly those involving online accommodation and vehicle rental scams.
“Patuloy tayong nagpaalala sa mga kababayan natin kaugnay sa mga scam online tulad nung sa Airbnb and ‘yong mga for rent kung saan pupunta po ‘yung ating mga kababayan,” Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson PBGen. Randulf Tuaño said at the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) media forum on Tuesday.
“Kapag ito ay too good to be true, it probably is. Ibig sabihin po pag masyado siyang mura, probably ito ay scam,” Tuaño added.
In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to protect Filipinos from online scams during Undas, the PNP instructed the Highway Patrol Group to caution travelers against fraudulent rental transactions and “rent-tangay” schemes.
Aside from information drives, cops would be deployed to conduct checkpoints and anti-crime patrols to ensure continuous reduction of focus crimes, such as theft and robbery.
To ensure the safety and security of the public during the long Undas weekend, the PNP has raised its alert level to “heightened alert status” from 12:01 a.m. this Wednesday to 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 3.
A total of 50,253 PNP personnel would be deployed across the country to implement security and public safety measures under the “Ligtas Undas 2025” Security and Safety Plan and would be supported by personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The DILG likewise reported that about 45,712 force multipliers composed of “barangay tanods,” radio groups, and civic organizations would be mobilized to assist the PNP in maintaining public safety and orderliness.
According to BFP spokesperson FSupt. Bonifacio Carta, they would deploy around 27,500 BFP personnel to man the First Aid Service Teams (FAST) and motorist assistance desks.
Carta likewise urged the public to call the “Unified 911” hotline for immediate assistance during emergencies as ambulances and fire trucks would be stationed near cemeteries, terminals, and primary roads.
“Ang mga bumbero natin ay umiikot sa paligid sa lahat ng mga convergence area para magbigay ng paalala ngayong panahon ng Undas,” FSupt. Bonifacio Carta said, noting the BFP’s own Undas safety efforts, “Oplan Kaluluwa” and “Oplan Ligtas”.
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