Police Step Up Mall Patrols for Year-End Shopping Season — Metro Manila Malls Open Until 11 PM Starting the 16th

Police Step Up Mall Patrols for Year-End Shopping Season — Metro Manila Malls Open Until 11 PM Starting the 16th

📌 On Friday, November 13, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced that it will increase foot patrols inside and outside shopping malls as mall operating hours are extended for the Christmas shopping season. Metro Manila malls will change their weekday operating hours to 11 AM–11 PM from Monday the 16th through Friday, December 25.

■ What's Changing
· PNP Chief Nartatez ordered police units to expand foot patrols inside and outside malls — aimed at preventing street crimes such as theft, which are common in crowded commercial areas (Manila Bulletin)
· Deployment plans were redrawn by unit so that police are more visible around malls and can respond immediately
· Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) coordination: from November 16 to December 25, malls will operate 11 AM–11 PM on weekdays (excluding holidays); mall-wide sales are banned on weekdays and allowed only on weekends — to manage year-end traffic (Daily Tribune)
· The number of personnel to be deployed was not announced

■ Notes for Residents and Travelers
· In crowded malls and nearby areas, keep your phone and wallet in front of your body and keep your bag closed
· When leaving a mall late at night, use an official taxi or a ride-hailing vehicle
· You can ask police officers stationed around malls for help right away

■ Sources
Manila Bulletin (11/13), Daily Tribune (11/13)

■ Photos
· 1. File photo · Police officer guarding a shopping mall entrance — Manila Bulletin
· 2. File photo · PNP commander giving a speech — Daily Tribune