THE National Capital Region Police Office yesterday deployed
a number of "Santa cops" to the different shopping malls and other places in
Metro Manila where many people converge as an anti-crime measure and to spread
Yuletide cheer.
NCRPO chief Director Geary L. Barias said the Santa cops will
be assigned to malls and marketplaces in Divisoria, Quiapo, Baclaran, Litex, and
Barangay Bagong Silang, as well as in the different stations of the LRT and MRT.
"These areas were identified as crime-prone and commercial
areas in Metro Manila that’s why we will deploy maximum (number of ) policemen
to ensure the safety of the citizenry," Barias said.
Barias said the idea to deploy Santa cops is in line with PNP
chief Director General Avelino I. Razon’s "Mamang Pulis" program which aims to
bring back the public’s respect for policemen and the NCRPO’s own launch of "NCRPO
Mamang Pulis at Mamamayan, Bayanihan Para sa Mapayapang Kapaskuhan."
"Traditionally, crime incidents often rise with the approach
of the Yuletide season. More crimes happen the more crowded a place gets, that’s
why we will place officers in Santa costumes to ensure the safety of the
shoppers," Barias said.
The NCRPO chief also reminded the five district police directors to intensify
police visibility operations in coordination with local government authorities,
private security forces, civic groups, barangay tanods, and civilian volunteers.
– Raymond Africa
