PNP beefing up surveillance, collaboration with businesses after foiled pawnshop robbery

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is beefing up surveillance in high-risk areas and intensifying collaboration with business establishments following a foiled attempt to rob two pawnshops in Quezon City.

In a statement, the PNP said Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has ordered all Police Regional Offices (PROs) to boost its surveillance and monitoring of high-risk areas while reinforcing coordination with private security personnel.

The PNP chief also told police units to conduct regular inspections of vulnerable establishments, particularly pawnshops and other financial institutions.

The police force assured the public that it will continue to fight organized theft groups and urged establishments to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious activities.

This was after police discovered an underground tunnel dug by unidentified suspects. The tunnel led to two pawnshops in Novaliches, Quezon City.

A security guard heard unusual sounds coming from a nearby manhole inside the establishment and reported the matter to police, who inspected the area and discovered the tunnel.

“This is not a simple theft attempt. there is planning, there are tools, and there is strategy. our response must be more organized, faster, and more coordinated,” Nartatez said.

He added that they consider the incident as part of an ongoing pattern of organized property crime.

“We will not allow them to operate this way. Our operations will continue until we dismantle their network,” Nartatez said, as he underscored the importance of public-private cooperation.

“The quick report of the security guard and the immediate response of our police units prevented a more serious incident. This highlights the importance of vigilance,” he added.

The PNP is also investigating to determine possible links to other cases involving similar modus operandi, including tunneling, wall breaching, and bypassing electronic security systems. — JMA, GMA News