‘Santa cops’ fielded, give away candies at malls

MANILA, Philippines - Some 220 "Santa cops" distributed candies to shoppers at malls in Metro Manila as they started Tuesday their mission to deter crime during the Christmas shopping season. Radio dzBB's Denver Trinidad reported that the "Santa cops," who are assigned to patrol malls and shopping centers while wearing Santa Claus hats, were formally "launched" in Pasay City. National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Leopoldo Bataoil reminded the "Santa cops" to be friendly and approachable at all times during their tour of duty. Bataoil said they are there precisely to help shoppers while deterring criminals with their visibility inside malls and other establishments. Police undertake the "Santa cops" program every year in anticipation of heightened criminality during the shopping season. The "Santa cops" were deployed primarily to Divisoria, Quiapo, Baclaran, Bagong Silang in Caloocan City, and the Litex area in Quezon City. - GMANews.TV