About 192,000 officers, or nearly the total strength of the Philippine National Police, have been deployed across the country to secure people and yuletide-related activities, PNP chief General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said Sunday.

Azurin warned the public to be on guard of all criminal elements, including petty criminals like pickpockets who take advantage of the yuletide rush to victimize people.

He said places of convergence like malls, churches and transport terminals are being tightly watched, but that houses should also be secured by residents as part of
target-hardening measures.

"Of course, the akyat-bahay (home invaders) may attack. Let's make sure that when we leave our houses, especially if it will be for a long time, that we make sure our houses are locked," Azurin warned.

The PNP chief said policemen would conduct patrols at the barangay level with village guards.

"It would be necessary for the public to see our police, their mobile patrols, especially during the Simbang Gabi because it is still dark," Azurin told cops.

"So, our police should be very visible so that anytime our countrymen need assistance they are just there," he added.