PNP deploying mobile patrols to thwart crimes near commercial centers

March 20, 2020

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday said they will deploy more mobile patrols for anti-criminality and police visibility in the vicinity of commercial centers, vital establishments and residential communities to prevent criminals from taking advantage of the enhanced community quarantine.

“Although we have not received validated reports of crime incidents in NCR and surrounding areas, we are nonetheless alerting our field units to take preemptive action,” said Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa, the PNP chief,   in a statement.

“The reality is that over the past five days since community quarantine was enforced in Metro Manila and recently enhanced over the rest of Luzon, crime incidents have significantly decreased,” he added.  

Gamboa said  local police units are instructed to coordinate  with security managers of commercial centers and vital facilities, and leaders and barangay authorities of residential communities to establish neighborhood watch systems that will alert police and residents of possible security situations.

The PNP chief also appealed to the public to refrain from sharing unvalidated social media reports of  incidents that only add to public apprehension and fear.

“The PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group is now tracing the authors behind the circulation of fake news in social media of a purported burglary and robbery in McKinley Hill, Taguig City and Binondo, Manila; and of alleged public unrest in San Andres, Manila all of which were both found to be hoax reports,” Gamboa said.

“Our laws provide stiff penalties for persons who will propagate false reports, especially if committed during a period of national emergency,” he added.

For his part, the chief of the National Capital Police Region Office (NCRPO) said they prepared a contingency plan if there will be confirmed reports of looting.

“I would like to reiterate to the public that no such looting was yet reported to have happened in the Metro. The photo circulating in social media showing people who climbed Mckinley Hills Subdivision's wall is not true. Meanwhile, the incident in Binondo on March 18, 2020 which was also mistakenly linked to looting was a snatching incident involving one Chinese national and one children in conflict with the law ,” Police Major General Debold Sinas said in a statement.

“Nevertheless, we have a contingency plan for looting to be implemented immediately as soon as possible,” he added. 

Following the directive of Gamboa to prevent looting incidents, Sinas ordered chiefs of police of    different cities to assure 24/7 security within the alleged targetted supermarkets and areas.

“Additional mobile cars will conduct patrol duties day and night to accost loiterers and unauthorized motorcycle riding individuals. COPs (chiefs of police) are also tasked to coordinate with the Local Government Unit for the distribution of goods to be given to those families who are in need,” he said.

“We ask for your patience and calmness at this time,” Sinas added.

The NCRPO chief said their anti-criminality campaign continues despite being frontliners in the Enhanced Community Quarantine of the government.

“In the meantime, we need your cooperation and responsible posting while we assure your security,” he said.

The PNP assured the public that the police and military security forces are on top of the situation and ready to respond to any calls for assistance from the public. Ella Dionisio/DMS