Police alert up amid unrest, crime wave

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday heightened market surveillance and monitoring of emerging peace and order concerns to suppress opportunistic crimes that could threaten public safety amid the Philippine peso’s continued decline against the US dollar.

PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. directed regional and local police units to act promptly on verified reports of theft, robbery, fraud, and other offenses to deter criminals from exploiting public concerns amid economic uncertainties.

This aligns with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s directive and DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s guidance to maintain peace and order while preventing economic anxieties from escalating into public panic or civil disruption.

“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.

The currency fell to a record low of P64.17 against the US dollar this week, prompting public discussion over its possible effects on household spending and the prices of imported goods.