PNP issues safety tips for Pokemon Go enthusiasts

MANILA, Philippines - With the Pokemon Go craze reaching the country, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has come up with safety tips for “hunters” to keep them from falling prey to criminals who might take advantage of the latest mobile app game.

Senior Supt. Gilbert Cruz, chief of the PNP-Police Community Relations Group, reminded players that hunting pocket monsters in public places could expose them to real monsters – thieves.

“Avoid playing Pokemon Go in areas where there are many people because you might hurt someone since you’re focused on your cellphone and not on the road,” Cruz said.

The PNP decided to issue the safety tips after some sectors raised concern on the welfare of Pokemon Go trainers or players.

Cruz said the players could become easy targets of robbers, as they are focused on their smartphones and not on people around them.

He said the player’s smartphone is exposed for everyone to see and grab, noting the Pokemon Go can be played only on models that can perform the functions of a computer – typically having a touchscreen interface, internet access and an operating system capable of running downloaded applications.

In playing Pokemon Go, a trainer uses Pikachu as his starter Pokemon.

After a trainer signs up for Pokemon Go, he should choose a character and is asked by the “professor” to catch a Pokemon.

The player will get a chance to catch the classic starter Pokemon character – Charmander, Squirtle or Bulbasaur.

Other Pokemon Go characters can be found in public places and commercial establishments.

“Although no one has so far complained that his phone was snatched while playing Pokemon Go or killed for refusing to give his gadget, we are preempting them,” Cruz said.

He said the PNP would like to raise awareness on safety issues in playing Pokemon Go.

“They should focus on their surroundings and not on their phones. A crime can occur when a person loses his awareness. If his attention is on his phone, chances are he will lose the gadget to robbers,” he said.

Cruz cited some reports in a certain country where a player was punched by a man he bumped into as he was trying to catch Pokemon.

“In London, a man was shot dead while walking in the park by a robber who snatched his phone. Similar incidents reportedly happened in the US,” he said.

“You may play it in places where there are people like in spacious and well-lit parks. But not in areas that are unfamilair to you, because you may get mugged, hurt or even killed.”

PNP anti-crime app launched

Instead of playing Pokemon Go, Cruz urged the public to play Tsip Bato: Ang Bumangga Giba!

The PNP is is using technology in crime prevention and solution by launching yesterday the “Tsip Bato” mobile app to make anti-crime program more interesting, especially for the youth.

The game features PNP Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and a character with the likeness of President Duterte.

The Tsip Bato allows a player to catch criminals while avoiding obstacles such as pedestrian lanes and vehicles.

The player can move the character by swiping on the phone screen.

“Tsip Bato: Ang Bumangga Giba!” was developed by Filipino software firm Ranida Games in cooperation with the PNP, Cruz said.

“It aims to teach kids to say no to illegal drugs,” he added.

Dela Rosa attended the launch and played the game.

The app is available at play store for free.

Zambo Pokemon hunters warned

The city government of Zamboanga has warned Pokemon Go hunters of danger when playing the phenomenal mobile app game.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has issued the advisory as players often need to go outdoors or in public places to catch the Pokemon characters on their smartphones. 

Salazar appealed to the “hunters” to think of their safety and avoid playing when driving or crossing the street, or trespass on someone’s property just to catch a Pokemon.

The mayor said unscrupulous people might take advantage of the players lured to secluded places and rob them of their belongings. She advised “hunters” to observe the rules and regulations of places they go to such as churches, mosques, business and government establishments, which are often designated as “Pokemon stop or gym.” – With Roel Pareño