PNP warns students against falling prey to street thugs
Predators like pickpockets, mobile phone/wallet snatchers, robbers and other criminals are expected to abound the streets, especially as the school opening on June 15 nears.
That’s why, the Police Regional Office (PRO) VI reiterated its warning for students, as well as parents, to be wary of street criminals who are just waiting for an opportune time to prey on their victims.
PNP Regional Director Chief Supt. Isagani Cuevas said that police usually noted a higher incidence of street crimes during opening of classes.
Police records showed that most of the victims of these petty crimes are students and parents because they posed as good targets for the criminals.
“But the best defense against these criminals is for us to be aware of our surroundings. The public should be extra cautious whether they would transact business at school or buy school supplies,” Cuevas said.
These activities, he added, usually involved the bringing of money, which served as a bait for street crooks.
While police have intensified their visibility and intelligence monitoring, an attentive public posed as a good hindrance for criminals.
Recently, PRO-6 activated its Operation Plan Balik Eskwela 2010 to map out its security preparations for the school opening.
Under Oplan Balik Eskwela 2010, police units are also directed to put up Public Assistance Center near the school premises.
It will be manned by at least two police uniformed personnel.
Police personnel in civilian clothes will also augment the security in major streets, malls and other areas where people usually converge.
Moreover, Cuevas also encouraged the public to take note of the hotline numbers of their police stations.
In Iloilo City, the hotline numbers are Patrol 117, 166 (City Proper, Molo and Arevalo Districts) and 16600 (La Paz, Jaro and Mandurriao Districts).