PNP: Cops can now patrol in malls

MANILA, Philippines - In the wake of security threats and bomb scares, armed police officers can now conduct foot patrols in malls, especially in Metro Manila, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said yesterday.

In the past, some malls refused to allow armed police officers in the building, claiming their presence intimidates shoppers.

The PNP initiated a meeting with mall security managers after several bomb threats were reported in Metro Manila and other parts of the country.

Police officials believe the bomb threats were staged by those who took advantage of the apprehension that followed the explosion at the Roxas night market in Davao City that left 15 people dead and around 70 others wounded.

Chief Superintendent Camilo Cascolan, head of the PNP Directorate for Operations, said the move is a big boost for the PNP to ensure security in malls.

“Generally, the PNP can now go inside. In police uniform and with firearms,” he said.

He added that law enforcers in civilian clothes will also be allowed in the malls.

Cascolan said the police officers were deployed to spot suspicious-looking people in malls. The law enforcers would “immediately approach them and invite them to the security room discreetly” in order not to alarm shoppers, he said.

Cascolan said the most important anti-terror measure is the public reporting abandoned packages and bags and suspicious-looking persons in public places and in their communities.

PNP officials met with security managers of malls, schools and hotels as part of the effort to come up with security plans amid the threats of bombing in Metro Manila.

Reports had it that four women who were sent by a Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf commander to carry out bomb attacks in Metro Manila and to assassinate President Duterte using an improvised explosive device.

Security managers of Rustan’s, SM Megamall, Starbucks, Rockwell, Shangri-La, Diamond Hotel, Resorts World, Fisher Mall, Landmark, Ortigas Group, Megaworld, Sofitel, Centro Escolar University and Ayala Land were among those who attended the meeting held in the PNP Multi-Purpose Hall at Camp Crame after the Davao bombing, the PNP said.

Senior Superintendent Jose Mario Espino, acting head of the PNP Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies, said frisking visitors and checking their bags would prevent criminals and terrorists from sneaking bombs into malls.

PNP officials suggested that security managers consider getting bomb-sniffing dogs and putting up additional security features in malls.