The Philippine National Police (PNP) assured the public Friday, March 20, that it is ready to prevent a potential surge in theft and robbery incidents despite rising prices of basic goods amid the ongoing tensions in the Middle East

PNP Chief, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said the police force has long prepared for worst-case scenarios even before inflation dominated public discourse.

“We believe that the present economic challenge will not spiral out of control in terms of peace and order. That is not in our blood as Filipinos. But the PNP’s security plan and personnel training are always geared towards worst-case scenarios,” he said.

He highlighted that preventive measures are being reinforced in areas considered high-risk.

“We have intensified foot and mobile patrols, especially in high-risk areas like markets, transport hubs, and commercial districts. Hindi lang reactive ang PNP, we are preventive. Gumagamit tayo ng data analytics to identify hotspots at doon natin dinadagdagan ang deployment ng kapulisan (We use data analytics to identify hotspots, and we increase police deployment in those areas),” Nartatez said.

The police have also increased uniformed presence in public markets, transport terminals, and shopping areas to deter crimes.

Mobile patrol units were deployed during peak hours while random checkpoints were being conducted in strategic locations to ensure community safety, according to the top cop.

The PNP said that crimes against property, including robbery and theft, tend to rise during periods of economic stress.

In previous years, law enforcement closely monitored urban centers and densely populated communities when rising costs drove some individuals to theft and robbery, it added.

Despite these pressures, Nartatez emphasized that police-community coordination remains a priority.

“Be rest assured that the PNP is fully prepared and on top of the situation. There is nothing to worry about but we must remain vigilant. Everyone’s cooperation is important to keep our communities safe,” he said.

Earlier, the PNP said a 12.66 percent decrease in focus crimes was recorded by the PNP from January 1 to March 12.

Focus crimes are serious offenses occurring with notable regularity including murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, and carnapping of cars and motorcycles.

During the period, the PNP said 6,377 incidents were reported, which is lower compared to 7,301 cases in the same timeline last year.

Meanwhile, ndex and non-index crime incidents nationwide had declined by 7.2 percent compared to last year.

Index crimes involve crimes against persons such as murder, homicide, physical injury, and rape, and crimes against property such as robbery, theft, and carnapping or carjacking.

Non-index crimes, on the other hand, are violations of special laws such as illegal logging or local ordinances.