A day before Christmas, crowds filled the bargain market in Dagupan City as many residents rushed to buy affordable gifts, prompting tighter police security in the area.
Among the shoppers was Nora dela Rosa who traveled early from Lingayen, Pangasinan to buy gifts for her two grandchildren. With a limited budget, she chose to shop at the city’s popular “baratilyo,” known for cheaper goods.
“Wala pa kasi akong nabibili kaya dito na lang. Bag ang gusto ng mga apo ko,” Dela Rosa said.
By Christmas Eve, the market was packed, with shoppers moving shoulder to shoulder as more people arrived throughout the day. Vendors said the heavy crowd also raised concerns about theft.
Vendor Allan Sultan said they remain alert as the number of buyers increased.
“Tinitignan namin lahat. Kapag maraming tao, lumalabas ang iba naming kasama para tingnan ang mga bumibili kasi maraming salisi ngayon,” he said.
Police officers patrolled the area regularly to prevent pickpocketing and other incidents. Authorities said additional personnel were deployed, especially in the afternoon until evening, when the number of shoppers almost tripled.
Dagupan City Police Office Director, PCOL. Orly Pagaduan, said police focused both on possible suspects and potential victims.
“Ang strategy natin ay pareho nating tinitignan ‘yung mga posibleng kawatan at saka ‘yung posibleng biktima nila, lalo na mga matatanda. Sila madalas na madaling biktimahin kasi,” he said.
More than 200 police officers were deployed by the DCPO to crowded areas across the city, including the Dagupan bargain market, to ensure a safe and incident-free Christmas shopping rush.
