Noting that theft and robbery remain as two of the top crimes being regularly committed in the metro, Criminal Investigation Division Group-National Capital Region (CIDG-NCR) Chief PCol. John Guiagui has cautioned the public who are either vacationing or visiting their departed loved ones this ‘Undas’ season to take good care of their belongings and homes and watch out for criminal elements who may take advantage of their situation.

Speaking 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.

“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, as he advised the public to immediately report to the police should they notice any suspicious characters or movements, assuring that the police are amply deployed in strategic areas.

In cases where the occupants leave their homes either to visit cemeteries or go on vacation to take advantage of the long weekend, Guiagi advised home owners to 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.

In instances where the residents leave their helpers to look after their houses, Guiagui said that 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,” he added.

Guiagui said that 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.

“Always check ang mga bahay ninyo at ang mga naiwan sa bahay nyo,” he stressed. (MARISA SON)