The Philippine National Police will intensity its presence in commercial centers, vital establishments and residential communities to deter any plans of criminal elements to sow terror during the ongoing national emergency situation.

In a statement, PNP Chief General Archie Francisco Gamboa says although the national police organization has not validated earlier reports of criminal activity in the National Capital Region (NCR) and surrounding areas, the police leadership deemed it wise to increase their anti-criminality force in these areas to ensure continuous peace and order.

” Local police units are instructed to coordinate closely with security managers of commercial centers and vital facilities, and leaders and barangay authorities of residential communities to establish neighborhood watch systems that will alert police and residents of possible security situations.

At the same time, we appeal to our people to refrain from sharing invalidated social media reports of alleged incidents that only add to public apprehensions and fear,” the statement said.

Likewise, the PNP anti cybercrime group is now tracing persons behind the spread of fake news of a purported burglary and robbery in McKinley Hill in Taguig City and Binondo in Manila and the reported public unrest in San Andres in Manila.

Such news were unvalidated.