PCol. John Guiagui, heaad of the Criminal Investigation Division Group-National Capital Region (CIDG-NCR), has issued a warning and advice to the public in relation to crimes related to the observance of Undas.
Guiagui said that as many may go on vacationing or visit their departed loved ones this ‘Undas,’ steps must be taken to take good care of their belonging .and homes and watch out for criminal elements who may take advantage of the situation.
As guest at the MACHRA Balitaan news forum held by the Manila City Hall Reporters’ Association at the Harbor View Restaurant in Ermita, Manila, Col. Guiagui said there is a good chance that criminal elements may mingle with ordinary crowds that will be trooping to the cemeteries, particulalry petty pickpockets and thieves.
He noted that theft and robbery remain as two of the top crimes being regularly committed in the NCR.
“Marami ang maaring mananamantala una, ang mga mandurukot ay makikipagsisiksan sa pilahan sa sementeryo. Di n’yo alam ‘yung mga gamit nyo, nakulimbat na pala,” he said.
Guiagui thus advised the public to immediately report to the police should they notice any suspicious characters or movements, assuring that sufficient police personnel are deployed during the Undas.
” In cases where the occupants leave their homes either to visit cemeteries or go on vacation to take advantage of the long weekend, home owners may seek help from neighbors and the barangay to protect their houses from criminal elements. Alam natin, marami sa ating mga kababayan ang nasa kani-kanilang probinsiya na. Marami ang nag-iwan ng bahay o walang iniwang bantay sa bahay dahil ultimo aso ay dala-dala nila so pag ganoon, make sure na ‘kapitbahay. chairman patignan naman pakibisita naman ang bahay ko.’ Pwede din ang kapulisan. You can always call the PCPs (police community precincts) or police stations if have concerns and make no mistake, ang pulis magmo-motor to check on your home,” Guiagui said.
He also noted that in cases when the residents leave their helpers to look after their houses, home owners should make sure to still check on their helpers from time to time.
“I-check din natin kung nasa bahay pa sila (helpers) kasi baka nagbulakbol din. Bilinan silang mag-lock at tignan ang mga gamit kung andiyan pa ba. Always check ang mga bahay ninyo at ang mga naiwan sa bahay nyo,” he said.
Househelps must be constantly briefed about the modus operandi of the so-called ‘Dugo Dugo Gang’ which continues to victimize households to this day. Under the scheme employed, gang members call up househelpers and dupe them into getting their employer’s money and valuables on the pretext that their employer had met an accident and need money for hospital expenses right away, he added.
