Cops brace for upsurge of crimes during ‘ber’ months

“It is our mandate to perform our jobs with strict observance of the rule of law and respect for human rights,” Balba said. (Shutterstock)

MANILA — In anticipation of a possible upsurge in crimes during the “ber” months, Chief Supt. Bernabe Balba, head of the Eastern Police District (EPD) directed all officers in eastern Metro Manila to be doubly alert against criminal syndicates.

He said the EPD will intensify its security operations in places of convergence such as malls, shopping complexes and transport terminals where people tend to congregate.

“Ber” months are crucial aspect of the year because of major events and holidays such as the Octoberfest 2018, All Saints’ and Souls’ Day, Bonifacio Day, Christmas Season, Rizal Day and New Year celebration.

Balba directed all the chiefs of police in the cities of Pasig, Mandaluyong, Marikina and San Juan to hold aggressive information drive on the modus operandi of criminals in their respective areas of responsibilities to raise the residents’ awareness.

He also ordered all EPD personnel to intensify intelligence monitoring against probable threats, enhance police presence in areas of convergence and other tourist destinations, focus law enforcement operations against identified repeat offenders, and strengthen target hardening of vital installations, among others.

He reminded police personnel to intensify their simultaneous anti-criminality law enforcement (SACLEO) to prevent crimes on the streets, especially at night.

However, Balba advised the officers to implement SACLEO in a very humane way, with proper execution and regularity, to avoid complaints against police officers.

“It is our mandate to perform our jobs with strict observance of the rule of law and respect for human rights,” Balba said.