The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has reminded the public to exercise caution as the Christmas and New Year celebrations approach.
In a Saturday, December 13 interview, NCRPO spokesperson Police Major Hazel Asilo advised people to remain alert while shopping, attending church, traveling, or celebrating with family.
“Ngayong unified season po, hinihikayat po ng NCRPO ang ating mga kababayan na mas maging maingat habang namimili, nagsisimba, bumibiyahe, or nakikipag-celebrate po kasama ang pamilya,” Asilo said.
She emphasized safeguarding personal belongings, especially in crowded areas like malls, terminals, and churches, and urged parents to keep a close watch on their children.
“Bantayan po natin ‘yong ating mga personal na gamit—lalo na at mataas ang galaw ng mga tao sa malls, terminals, at simbahan—kaya huwag pong maglabas ng malalaking cash, at siguraduhin pong hawak [nila] ang mga bata sa matataong lugar,” she added.
Motorists and vacationers were also advised to avoid overspeeding, driving while tired or intoxicated, and to secure homes before leaving.
“Sa mga motorista naman po, iwasan natin ‘yong overspeeding, huwag magmaneho kung pagod o nakainom, at siyempre po ‘yong mga aalis ng bahay [ay] siguraduhin po na bago tayo umalis [ay] naka-secure po ‘yong ating mga pinto, naka-lock ‘yong ating mga gate, or huwag po tayong mag-iwan ng mga gamit natin sa labas ng bahay na posibleng maka-attract po sa masasamang loob para akyatin ‘yong kanilang mga gate,” Asilo said.
She also suggested entrusting homes to reliable neighbors during extended absences and avoiding sharing real-time updates, ATM activities, or social media posts that could attract criminals.
“Kung mayroon po tayong pinagkakatiwalaang kapitbahay, at medyo matagal po tayong mawawala, ibilin po natin [sa kanila] para tingnan-tingnan po [nila] ‘yong bahay natin para mayroon pa rin namang magbabantay kahit wala tayo,” she added.