(DC file photo)
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified surveillance and police patrols to prevent theft, robbery, fraud and other opportunistic crimes amid the continued depreciation of the Philippine peso against the US dollar.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Thursday directed regional and local police units to strengthen monitoring of criminal activities that could exploit public concerns over rising prices and economic uncertainty.
The directive comes as the peso weakened to a record low of Php 64.17 against the US dollar this week, raising concerns about the potential impact on household expenses and the cost of imported goods.
Nartatez ordered police units to respond promptly to verified reports of criminal activity, particularly in communities and commercial areas where consumers, workers and small business owners may be vulnerable to scams and other offenses.
“The PNP actively monitors street-level crime trends to prevent opportunistic offenses driven by financial strain. We are tightening intelligence and community patrols in vulnerable areas to protect consumers and small business owners from economic-related crimes like theft or scams,” Nartatez said.
He explained that the intensified monitoring is consistent with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., through Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to maintain peace and order and prevent economic concerns from triggering public panic or civil disturbances.
The police chief emphasized that while financial authorities are responsible for addressing currency fluctuations and broader economic conditions, the PNP must ensure that criminals do not take advantage of the situation.
“While economic fluctuations are managed by our financial authorities, the PNP actively monitors street-level crime trends to prevent opportunistic offenses driven by financial strain. We are tightening intelligence and community patrols in vulnerable areas to protect consumers and small business owners from economic-related crimes like theft or scams,” he said.
The PNP said its monitoring efforts would focus on emerging crime patterns and potential threats to public safety, particularly offenses targeting individuals and businesses affected by economic pressures.
Nartatez assured the public that police units would remain vigilant in protecting communities and commercial establishments from criminal exploitation.
He reiterated that maintaining public safety and preventing opportunistic crimes remain priorities of the police organization amid concerns over the peso’s continued decline.
