CALOOCAN CITY, March 20 (PIA) -- To allay fears over possible increase of criminality due to the present lockdown situation, the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday further heightened its security protocols and released hotline numbers the public can call.

"The PNP will deploy more mobile patrol units for anti-criminality and police visibility operations in the vicinity of commercial centers, vital establishments and residential communities to prevent criminal elements from taking advantage of the ongoing national emergency situation," PNP Chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa said.

"Rest assured police and military security forces and on top of the situation and ready to respond to any calls for assistance from the public," the official added.

At the same time, Gamboa said, "For your added peace of mind, your security forces are just one call away," through the following hotline numbers and email:

Joint Task Force CV SHIELD Command Center, PNP Command Center

Globe: 09173125626

Smart: 09988940013

Landline: 7253176

Email: [email protected].

"Although we have not received validated reports of crime incidents in NCR and surrounding areas, we are nonetheless alerting our field units to take preemptive action" the PNP chief said.

"The reality is that over the past five days since community quarantine was enforced in Metro Manila and recently enhanced over the rest of Luzon, crime incidents have significantly decreased," he added.

Gamboa said Metro Manila police has created neighborhood watch patrol teams in partnership with barangays and business establishments.

"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," he said.

He also called on the public to be responsible and avoid sharing unverified posts on social media to avoid further confusion, as he warned those with ill intent will be facing appropriate charges.

"We appeal to our people to refrain from sharing unvalidated social media reports of alleged incidents that only add to public apprehensions and fear," he said.

"The PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group is now tracing the authors behind the circulation of fake news in social media of a purported burglary and robbery in McKinley Hill, Taguig City and Binondo, Manila; and of alleged public unrest in San Andres, Manila all of which were both found to be hoax reports," Gamboa said, adding, "Our laws provide stiff penalties for persons who will propagate false reports, especially if committed during a period of national emergency." (PIA NCR)