PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief, General Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr. on Sunday called on his men and the public, specifically parents, to be on constant watch for sex predators who will always attack their preys given the slightest opportunity.

“Our intention is not to create panic but we caution the students to always be vigilant around their environment. When their parents tell them not to trust strangers, the children must take this seriously,” the top cop said.

Azurin said they are keeping an eye on incidents of crime against women, specifically students.

Citing official PNP records, Gen. Azurin said that from July 1 to last August 31, they recorded 149 crimes of this nature, majority of them mostly from the National Capital Region,

Apart from rape, other prevalent reported cases during the period were acts of lasciviousness and violation of Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.

Azurin assured consistent police presence to deter criminals from preying on victims especially in crime-prone areas.

“There is also strong coordination between the Education department and the PNP to work hand-in-hand in ensuring the safety of the children. Now that classes are returning to the in-person set-up, there is a greater challenge for the police officers to monitor closely the vicinity around learning institutions,” the PNP chief said as he committed to resolve all such cases reported to the different police stations and units nationwide.

Last Thursday, members of the Quezon City Police District Station 4 arrested a man who tried to snatch a female elementary student in Novaliches.

The suspect identified as 43-year old Michael Buenaventura grabbed the student as she was entering the Goodwill II Elementary School in Barangay Bagbag around 10:30 a.m. last September 1.

He claimed to be the young girl’s father.

The minor panicked and shouted for help starting a commotion in the area. National Capital Region Police Office director, Brigadier Gen. Jonnel C. Estomo said that QCPD personnel assigned near the area immediately responded and arrested the suspect following a brief chase.

During investigation, the family of the suspect from Bagumbong, Caloocan City claimed he was suffering from depression and is mentally challenged. However, that will not deter the police from filing criminal charges for abduction in relation to RA 7610 or the Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

The suspect is currently detained at PS 4 custodial facility and will be charged with anduction in relation to RA 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

Estomo said the quick response of the QCPD under Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III to the incident is proof of the full police visibility in Metro Manila he and Gen. Azurin had promised the public prior to the opening of School Year 2022-2023 amid the new normal.

The official also reiterated the importance of mental health and support among family and peers following the challenges brought about by years of health crisis.

“We really need to take care not only of our physical but also our mental well-being and that of our family as well. After years of pandemic resulting not only in health but economic crisis, we cannot deny that most of us were affected not only physically but emotionally and mentally,” the NCRPO chief said.

“Hence, it is incumbent upon us to support each other and strengthen our relationship with our family and community to ensure that we get through this together as one. I also commend the swift action of our policemen deployed in school vicinities which preempted the further escalation of the incident,” Estomo said.