CHRISTMAS, as we all know, is the season of giving. It’s the time people spread more love, hand out gifts, and receive their much-awaited 13th month pay and other bonuses.

More individuals are seen going outside the comforts of their homes to celebrate the holiday season whether at a shopping center, a restaurant, a park, or a Christmas-themed attraction.

But Filipinos have to remember that not all people go out to spend quality time – some commit crimes such as theft and robbery.

Speaking with republicasia, Manila Police District (MPD) PIO Major Philipp Ines said that they saw a decrease in cases of robbery and theft, based on their data from January 1 to November 2023.

He said that the Philippine National Police (PNP) has been monitoring the so-called eight “focus crimes” which are murder, homicide, robbery, theft, physical injury, car theft, motorcycle theft, and rape.

“Sa robbery, meron tayong pagbaba na 22.49 percent. At dito naman sa theft meron tayong 4.62 percent na pagbaba,” he said.

But despite the decrease in these crimes, Ines stressed that Filipinos should not be complacent and keep vigilant of their surroundings.

To prevent falling victims to these crimes, here are some safety tips that they should take into account when they celebrate the Christmas season:

Be aware

The first thing that a person should do, especially when they’re going out, is to be aware of their surroundings, said Ines.

He added that they must keep being vigilant, particularly in crowded places.

“Kahit saan na lugar na dinadagsa ng mga tao, kailangan maging aware ka palagi,” he said.

Ines said that people should not let their guard down even in secured areas.

“Sabi nga nila kapag aware ka sa paligid mo, sa mga nangyayari, hindi ka mabibiktima,” he stressed.

Be familiar with modus operandi

Ines also said that being familiar with various modus operandi of criminals would help an individual avoid being a victim.

“Kung kakakuha mo [lang] ng sweldo mo at uuwi ka ng bahay–from the workplace mo papunta ng bahay, gaano ba siya kalayo? Kasi nandun yung opportunity, kung malayo, madilim, nakasakay sila sa ganito, baka mabiktima ka,” Ines said.

For those who will withdraw their money from ATMs, Ines advised them to do it in locations that are deemed secured. 

“Marami tayong mga ginagamit na iba’t-ibang modus din diyan sa mga ATM. Syempre, kung magwi-withdraw ka, check mo muna yung mismong ATM baka may mga nakalagay na device,” he said.

He continued, “Kaya kung magwi-withdraw ka, pupunta ka sa mga mall na may mga security.”

Keep valuables in tight spaces

If a person is going to travel alone, Ines said that it’s best for them to put their valuable things in secure areas in their bags.

“Kung wala kang kasama at sasakay ka lang mag-isa, titingnan mo anong oras ka ba sasakay. Kung may mga dala kang valuable items katulad ng pera, check mo maigi, ilagay mo sa masisikip na bulsa,” he said.

“Kasi ‘pag hindi tapos siksikan yung tao, most probably baka mamaya merong isa d’yan na mag-take advantage, madukutan ka,” he added.

Report the crime immediately

But what should an individual do in case they weren’t able to avoid falling victims to the crimes like theft or holdup? Ines said the steps they would take will depend on the crime done to them.

If they fall victim to theft, the first thing they should do is to report the incident to the nearest police station immediately, according to the police official.

“I-report mo sa pinakamalapit na police station o presinto para ma-check natin yung mga CCTV doon sa lugar. Kasi maaaring nandyan pa yung mga tao [nandukot] na yan eh,” he said.

He added, “Or, para mapaalala sayo [kung] may bumangga ba sa’yo. Para maalala mo, ‘Ay, parang may lumapit po sa’kin habang namimili. May tanong nang tanong sa’kin ‘di ko nga kilala.’”

Ines said that this information would help authorities capture the culprit and recover valuable items.

But if the crime is robbery, Ines said it is better to just give the valuables to the perpetrators.

“Unang-una, may mga hawak na baril ‘yan, panaksak ‘yan, sumunod ka lang. ‘Pag sinabing, ‘Akin na yung ganito mo,’wag ka na makipagtalo,” he emphasized.

“Bakit? Lahat ng mga bagay na meron ka, cellphone, pera, ‘yan pwedeng palitan. Pero yung buhay mo, hindi. Hindi natin alam takbo ng isip n’yan, baka mamaya biglang mataranta ‘yan masaksak ka o kaya barilin ka,” he added.

Ines reminded everyone to be calm and have a presence of mind in such situations.

“Kung hinoldup ka, dapat mong tandaan yung special feature niya. Mukha niya, ano itsura niya, gaano siya katangkad, ano mga suot niya. Then, deretso kaagad sa isang police station, mag-report agad,” he said.

While we cannot fully eradicate these crimes, it might be best for us to take note and follow these tips to remain safe this Yuletide season.