Police gears up for Christmas season security in malls

MANILA, Philippines - As the Christmas season draws near, Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas has ordered the police to coordinate with mall security personnel of malls in Metro Manila for coming up with "pasadya" or customized security intervention.

 

He directed National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director Carmelo Valmoria to order the different station commanders who has jurisdiction over the malls to coordinate with mall owners to get data about the malls’ foot traffic and security guards manning the establishment and package a “pasadya” or customized intervention based on inputs.

 

"This is a different patient, so it needs a separate medication, separate therapy," Roxas said, referring to the different security contingencies of various shopping centers.

 

He also ordered the NCRPO to implement the pasadya-approach in the eight crime-prone areas in Metro Manila, including Masambong area in Quezon City, Sampaloc in Manila, Pasig City and Mandaluyong City.

 

Roxas earlier likened the strategy to a tailor who sometimes makes outfits which are custom-made for particular clients. 

 

"We can implement using the ‘pasadya’ approach (in these areas) and the rest can use ready-to-wear (RTW) interventions. (we can implement using the customized approach (in these areas) and the rest can use ready-to-wear (RTW) interventions)," Roxas said.

 

He ordered Valmoria to coordinate with mall owners to declare the areas crime-free shoppers zone. 

 

"This is an area which has its own characteristics. Do a specific intervention," he added.

 

Roxas also ordered the deployment of additional 1,300 police personnel to the crime prone areas as part of the pasadya approach.

 

He directed the installation of the high-resolution closed circuit television (CCTVs) in the areas before the holiday season.