The Philippine police is anticipating an increase in crime rate that may be related to a perceived rice shortage all over the archipelago, the country's police chief said on Wednesday.
The police is now drafting measures to counter a possible increase, Director General of the Philippine National Police Avelino Razon Jr. told a local radio station.
He said the police in Metro Manila are under orders to closely monitor the crime situation in the National Capital Region amid the perceived food crisis.
For now, Razon said all police units have been ordered to increase police visibility patrols. "So our presence will be a deterrence of crime," he said.
Meanwhile, Razon asked the public's help to identify rice traders who are involved in hoarding.
The police is helping the Department of Justice and the National Bureau of Investigation, which had been tasked to stop rice hoarding.
Razon also asked the public to remain calm as he belied claims that the country is experiencing a shortage in rice supply.
"We have a sufficient supply of prime commodities, food and rice. The public must be involved (in this campaign) and report if they know someone involved in rice hoarding," he said.
Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez had warned traders that they may be charged with economic sabotage because of their involved in hoarding.
Source:Xinhua
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