THE Metro Manila police is now preparing a number of public safety measures ahead of the holiday shopping season, according to Metro Manila police director Oscar David Albayalde.
“Currently, the NCRPO is focused in preparation to secure the coming Yuletide Season. As we conclude our Undas [All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day] celebration, we shall now prepare for the holidays,” Albayalde said.
He said policemen have already been deployed to assist government agencies like the Metro Manila Development Authority and the Highway Patrol Group in managing traffic in the metropolis, especially areas near shopping malls, where heavy traffic is expected during the peak buying months.
“We have 94 malls in the Metro and we expect them to cooperate with us so that we will be able to manage the traffic situation. We have to ease the burden this brings to the public as the holiday rush approaches,” he said.
Albayalde said the police will intensify security operations in all places of convergence in the metropolis, such as malls, shopping centers and transport terminals.
The NCRPO is considering deploying 70 percent of its force to increase police visibility in Metro Manila streets and to readily respond to any eventuality that might occur during the holiday season.
Aside from this, Albayalde said, “we are prepared to secure Metro Manila against any form of criminality and terrorism as we continuously intensify our war against drugs and other illegal activity.”
During the observance of Undas, the NCRPO recorded zero crime incidents all over Metro Manila.
“This peaceful observation proves that when community works with the police, we can achieve our goals is zeroing criminality. This will serve as our another reference in securing future events and celebrations in the Metro,” Albayalde said.
The government appealed to the public to cooperate with the police and be careful with muggers, snatchers and hold-uppers, saying that the best anti-criminality measure is vigilance, particularly in implementing self-protection measures against criminal elements.
In line with the security preparation, the NCRPO issued safety tips to prevent and lessen criminal activity during the holiday season.
