MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Friday, November 13, that it has heightened security operations across shopping centers to prevent theft and street crimes as commercial establishments prepare for extended holiday hours.
PNP Chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed local police units to increase foot patrols in and around malls, anticipating a surge in shoppers following adjustments to operating hours.
“We want all our kababayan to enjoy the holiday season without worrying about their safety. Our increased police visibility and foot patrols are meant to deter criminals, prevent incidents, and ensure that help is readily available whenever and wherever the public needs it,” Nartatez said.
According to the PNP, deployment plans were recalibrated to establish a stronger presence in commercial zones and enable quicker responses to security issues.
The security intensification aligns with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) adjusted mall operating hours, set from November 16 to December 25, excluding holidays. Under the new schedule, Metro Manila malls will operate from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays, while mall-wide sales are restricted to weekends to help manage holiday traffic.
Nartatez emphasized that expanded foot patrols will ensure officers remain accessible to the public during peak shopping hours.
“Our commitment is to make sure that every shopper can go about their holiday activities with peace of mind. We will keep our police personnel visible, alert, and ready to respond. Public safety remains our priority and we will not let criminals take advantage of the busy holiday season to victimize any of our kababayan,” he stated.