ILOILO City – Hundreds of police officers will be detailed in commercial areas in the metro in anticipation of the flurry of buyers – and petty crimes – as the Christmas season draws near. Deployment starts this week, according to the Iloilo City Police Office.
Between 300 and 400 officers will concentrate on the commercial district but only for a certain period during the day, said Senior Superintendent Martin Defensor Jr., ICPO director.
“They will be deployed to areas where there is usually a high incidence of crime,” the police official said in Hiligaynon.
Defensor clarified that their assignment will not be “static” as he is wary that forces at police stations will diminish.
Their deployment will be “calibrated” – most officers on this special assignment will head out into the field only during business hours – he said.
“For instance, when businesses open at 10 a.m., that’s the time we send officers out,” said Defensor. “When businesses close, we slow down as well.”
The ICPO will sustain this operation during the entire holiday season.
This is primarily aimed at curbing petty crimes like theft and robbery, whose common victims are shoppers.
Police are expecting an influx of holiday shoppers at the downtown area and other commercial sites across the city.
The Christmas season is also when the employees’ 13th month pay and other bonuses are released, which means many people would have more money in their possession than during ordinary days.
Defensor advised the public to beware of swindlers. Do not easily trust strangers, the ICPO official said.
“Be aware of your surroundings,” he said. “Stay away from people who you feel are trying to sweet-talk you into doing something.”
Moreover, Defensor discouraged buyers from wearing expensive jewelry or carrying pricey items when heading to the shops.
If possible, have at least one trusted companion and do not allow children to tag along, the ICPO director said.
Furthermore, Defensor urged the public to immediately seek help from the nearest police station when victimized by thieves or robbers.
The ICPO is wary that identified thievery or robbery suspects who have not been arrested would pounce on innocent holiday shoppers.
It has distributed photos of these suspects in public places including malls to help the people identify them if and when they are around.
Defensor clarified that so far they have not monitored any robbery group from other areas heading to the city./PN
