PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — The City Police Office (CPO) here renewed appeal to residents to be on alert against petty theft and the spread of fake bills this December.
“We are renewing our calls to residents of this city to be strict about their security this December as this is the month when fake bills spread, and burglaries and shoplifting usually rise in homes, in malls, and in department stores,” Police Senior Inspector Pearl Lamban-Marzo of the CPO said Tuesday.
Marzo said the Philippine National Police “Oplan Ligtas Paskuhan” is due for implementation also in Puerto Princesa on December 16, the start of Simbang Gabi.
“But since December 1, we’ve already deployed some personnel in many areas in the city due to numerous activities, like the Puerto Princesa Baywalk, where there are nighty shows,” she said.
When “Oplan Ligtas Paskuhan” starts, more than 200 cops out of 510 will be deployed in seaports, airport, bus and jeepney terminals for police visibility to ensure the safety of the public.
“There will be police assistance desks that will be set up in these sites for the public in case they would need help,” she added.
Despite the warning, the CPO is positive that there will be a decrease in cases of burglary and petty theft as residents are now more aware of how to secure their homes during the Yuletide month.
On the spread of fake bills, Marzo said they issued the warning against its spread as early as October following a single report.
“We had one case in October about fake money, but the individual who was victimized has not filed a case. This December, we are warning the public again about it,” she said. (PNA)