Santa cops launched

Close to 300 “Santa Cops” were deployed all over the metropolis to protect civilians from criminals starting yesterday.

These “Santa Cops” yesterday converged at the SM Mall of Asia complex in Pasay City where a short program that launched 271 policemen wearing Santa bonnets, was held.   

NCRPO chief Director Leopoldo Bataoil said, “The ‘Santa Cops’ will go around all over their designated areas to provide security as well as prevent crime incidents from taking place. This move aims to protect civilians from criminals while they’re out and busy getting ready for Christmas.”

Bataoil formally launched “Santa Cops” during simple rites held at SM Mega Mall Building B in Mandaluyong City yesterday.

The event was attended by EPD director Chief Superintendent Lino Calingasan and his four city police chiefs. Mandaluyong City police commander Senior Superintendent Carlos de Sagun led the opening ceremonies while Marikina police Superintendent Sotero Ramos Jr.; Pasig City Superintendent Ramiro Bausa of Pasig and San Juan City police chief Superintendent Procopio Lipana led the contingent from their respective police units.

“The national police would like to touch people’s lives in a special way,” said Bataoil, adding that with the implementation of the second wave of discipline zones within the respective districts coupled with “Santa Cops,” the NCRPO assured the public of a peaceful Yuletide season.

“The community’s concern for us giving information regarding any suspicious looking persons or occurrence of untoward incidents that will help us immediately solve the crime will be a big help to the police force.”

Bataoil pointed out that these Santa bonnet-wearing cops will be seen particularly in crowded areas such as malls, markets and transport terminals. “Santa Cops 2008” anti-crime program is an annual crime prevention program of the NCRPO. The policemen are tasked to conduct intensified patrolling activities in the metropolis. The program will be implemented until Jan. 2.

Bataoil cited that the launch of “Santa Cops” in previous years have had a positive impact as to the crime monitoring activities of policemen. “We want the people to feel secure. We want the public to bring back their trust to the country’s law enforcers.”

“Street crimes [shoplifting, pickpocketing and cell phone snatching] have been proliferating. It is during October and November where we observe crime rate getting high. During the first week of December, crime rate is still somehow high, though towards the second week, it will be minimized,” Bataoil said. He said, “it is important to enhance police visibility operation during the first week of this month.”

Bataoil led the EPD delegation in the walk through the different floors of one of the biggests mall in the country accompanied by policeman-representative from every police station in the district clad in Santa Claus costume giving out candies and balloons to children.

Gunless

Santa Cops or policemen wearing Santa Claus’ red hat should not carry any firearms so they will be more friendly to the people around, Bataoil said yesterday.

“Ang advise namin (sa ating mga pulis), while they patrol, preferably walang sidearms. But if there’s a need… but preferably without the sidearms so they will be friendlier to the people around,” Bataoil said in an interview.

Bataoil spearheaded the deployment of over 200 uniformed policemen, who are wearing Santa Claus’ red hat, in the metropolis. The chief of the National Capital Regional Police Office said all the Santa Cops should be on their post for the rest of the day in different areas of responsibility.

Bataoil said the deployment was meant to enhance visibility patrol and crime prevention during the holiday season as part of the annual crime prevention program of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Aside from Santa Cops, Bataoil noted that PNP members will be patrolling crowded areas in coordination with elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and representatives from the civilian community.

“Maximum deployment of policemen is deemed necessary to prevent crime and to protect the public from the atrocities of criminal elements,” he said.

Bataoil reminded Santa Cops to be watchful of criminal elements who are out to victimize ordinary citizens with the intention of stealing their hard earned money. “Tandaan natin: meron po tayong minamanmanan na grupo na nag-aabang lang ng pagkakataon para makagawa ng robberies. Sa inyong pagpunta sa mga pagpatrolya ng iba’t ibang lugar ng malls, dapat tayo ay maging alerto. Alerto tayo at maging matulungin at maging friendly sa ating mga kababayan,” he added.

“So this is a two-pronged approach in bringing the PNP closer to the people. It is very important to win back the trust and confidence of our people and establish partnership against criminality will be enhanced,” he added.   – With Cecille Suerte Felipe