PNP warns holiday shoppers against criminals in bazaars

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday warned shoppers in “tiangges” (bazaars) this holiday rush to be always alert and be wary of criminals who may take advantage.

In particular, Senior Inspector Alden Panganiban, station commander of the Barbosa Police Community Precinct in Quiapo is warning shoppers against sellers who are selling fake or defective products.

Panganiban said many of these sellers are to be found in street bazaars in Quiapo and in Divisoria.

According to Panganiban, shoppers should carefully inspect items being sold in these bazaars as these could be fake with vendors selling them at very low prices.

Panganiban is also warning shoppers to be careful with their money when buying from street bazaar vendors as there could be swindlers who could quickly switch bills handed to them by shoppers.  

Meanwhile, Panganiban said the Manila Police Department will be intensifying its drive against criminality this Christmas season.

Panganiban said the drive would focus more on street-level crimes such as theft and robbery.

“We are anticipating a surge in the number of street crimes this Christmastime. We will be intensifying our watch on the streets,” Panganiban said in Filipino.