With many Filipinos leaving their homes for the Christmas and New Year break, law enforcement agencies are reminding the public to think twice before broadcasting their travel plans on social media, citing the risk of attracting criminal activity.
The National Bureau of Investigation earlier flagged the issue over the weekend, advising residents to double-check the security of their houses before leaving for the holidays, as empty homes can become easy targets for theft.
The Philippine National Police echoed the warning on Monday, stressing that publicly visible posts about trips and absences may unintentionally provide useful information to criminals.
“We should not give criminal elements the opportunity to strike. Posting vacation plans could be taken advantage of and could serve as an opportunity for them,” Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.
He also said police units across the country have been instructed to remain on heightened alert throughout the holiday period. “Police personnel nationwide will maintain heightened alertness. The PNP will continue to conduct operations to prevent theft and other criminal acts during the holiday period,” he added.
Earlier statements from the PNP noted that roughly 100,000 officers have been deployed to key locations nationwide as part of the security measures for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
