Authorities have reminded the public to stay vigilant in crowded places in General Santos City as theft and snatching incidents are expected to go up during the holiday rush.

Police anticipate that foot traffic will rise in areas of convergence, including churches, malls, and markets, as Christmas approaches.

According to the General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO), at least one to two theft incidents are reported to the barangay or police daily, and this may increase during the holiday rush.

With this, authorities have intensified its security measures to ensure public safety.

Around 85 police officers have been deployed to malls, parks, markets, terminals, and ports in the city.

“Atu gyud ipanawagan pirmi nga maging mahinahon ta labi na sa sitwasyon karon, nakita nato pasko unya uso kaayo. Based on statistics ang akyat bahay, uso ang snatching, so atung panawagan nga dili gyud ma fall into a victim,” GSCPO Director, Col. Nicomedes Olaivar Jr., said.

Authorities also reminded the public that improvised cannon, known locally as boga, and modified mufflers are prohibited as these can cause disturbance.

“Bawal gyud na sir kay ikaduha maka-create disturbance sa area, by law bawal. Kabalo man atung kapitan ana, ang atung kagawad. So ilang initiative, i-imbargo. Pa assist sila sa pulis kay among i-assist dayun,” Olaivar added.

Violators will be arrested and fined.