BY MA THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO City — The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) announced heightened security measures for the “ber” months – September, October, November, December – a period traditionally marked by an increase in crime incidents.
Police Brigadier General Jack Wanky, regional police director, assured Western Visayans: “We have always been prepared with intensified deployments across various programs.”
The “ber” months are significant primarily because they mark the beginning of the Christmas season, which is one of the longest and most celebrated holidays in the country.
But despite the festive atmosphere, the “ber” months also present specific challenges related to a surge in crime rates. This increase can be closely linked to several factors associated with the holiday season such as increased economic activity.
The significant uptick in shopping and commercial transactions creates more opportunities for crimes such as theft, pickpocketing, and scams. Shopping malls, markets, and other crowded venues become hotspots for these activities as they are frequented more often by the public.
Wanky acknowledged this peace and order challenge.
“We will intensify our deployments further, enhance our intelligence monitoring, and focus our resources on crime-prone areas,” he said.
He stressed the importance of concentrating police resources in areas historically known for higher incidences of crime.
Specifically, crimes during this period are frequently reported in shopping malls.
The PRO-6 plans to work closely with security agencies at these locations to formulate strategies to combat prevalent offenses such as shoplifting.
Filipinos are known for celebrating the longest Christmas season in the world, beginning in September. As soon as the first “ber” month hits, people start hearing Christmas carols played in stores and on the radio, and decorations begin to go up in homes and public areas./PN
