PNP: Don't provide criminals opportunity to strike; avoid posting your vacation plans

The habit of posting family vacation privilege on social media could be taken advantage of by criminal elements, the Philippine National Police (PNP) warned on Monday, Dec. 29, amid the surge of passengers going to the provinces and abroad for the long New Year break.

- By AARON RECUENCO

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. then advised the public to be careful in posting their travel plans or activities on social media—and better yet, not to post them at all until they arrive home.

"We should not give criminal elements the opportunity to strike. Posting of vacation plans could be taken advantage of and could serve as an opportunity for them," said Nartatez.

"While your Philippine National Police is exhausting all measures to protect every Filipino, we also need assistance and cooperation from the people to maximize our peace and order strategies."

Nartatez said the PNP is working with the local government units, particularly at the barangay level. to protect communities from preventable crimes.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) also echoed the same warning as it urged the public to be cautious in their social media interactions. Residents were also reminded not to engage with unknown accounts.

Nartatez assured the public that police personnel nationwide will maintain heightened alertness. He said the PNP will continue to conduct operations to prevent thefts and other criminal acts during the holiday period.