Manila: Philippine National Police (PNP) acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Wednesday directed all local police offices to start reviewing and updating security preparations for the Christmas holiday season. In a statement, Nartatez stressed the importance of adaptability in managing security during the festivities, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos to uphold peace and order and maintain stability in communities, ensuring that the government’s efforts against criminality are sustained during peak seasons of public convergence.
According to Philippines News Agency, Nartatez emphasized that the PNP will make necessary adjustments in security protocols, particularly in public areas and points of convergence, including malls, parks, terminals, and ports. He highlighted the reliance on years of experience to implement effective measures, assuring the public of the PNP’s preparedness during the festive season. Nartatez stated that the goal is to counteract the rise in criminal activities, especially those relating to robbery and theft, during the days leading to Christmas and New Year. This effort is aimed at ensuring a safe and peaceful holiday season for Filipinos, who are known for having the longest Christmas celebration in the world.
Nartatez’s directive follows the arrest of two suspects in Caloocan City on Nov. 10, linked to a series of fast-food chain robberies in Bulacan and Pampanga. The apprehension occurred just hours after the latest crime was committed in Bustos and Sta. Maria towns. Authorities recovered a gray Toyota Avanza, two sets of license plates, a .38-caliber revolver, PHP23,000 in cash, and other items related to the crimes.
On the same day, a robbery suspect, identified as Police Capt. Ronnie Sarto, was killed in a shootout with fellow police officers after robbing a convenience store in Bulacan. Sarto, who served as the assistant chief of the Station Investigation and Detective Management Section of the North Caloocan City Police Station, was reportedly involved in other robbery incidents in the province. Bulacan Provincial Director Police Col. Angel Garcillano revealed that Sarto’s activities included targeting coffee shops, gasoline stations, and convenience stores in areas like Marilao, the boundary of San Jose Del Monte, and part of Meycauayan.
Despite having no derogatory record or administrative case since joining the police force in 2006, Sarto was reportedly deep in debt after their food and ready-to-wear businesses went bankrupt.
