MAYOR Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has instructed the local police to intensify campaign against snatchers who are victimizing residents and visitors this Christmas season.

Salazar told Senior Superintendent Joseph Martir, Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) director, that one way to deny snatchers from victimizing people is to strengthen police visibility, especially in the central business district.

The mayor gave the instruction to Martir following several complaints of victims; one of them was a widow government employee who lost her at least P7,000 cash to snatchers while she was about to board a tricycle together with her sister and children.

Upon knowing the incident, the mayor immediately contacted the police station concerned and instructed the chief of police to find ways to possibly recover the widow’s bag, hoping her important identification cards and other documents can still be recovered.

She called on Martir and Colonel Leonel Nicolas, commander of Task Force Zamboanga, to ensure that security patrols and police visibility are strengthened for anti-snatching campaign, particularly during this special time of the year.

Salazar sounded an appeal to the public to take extra care of their personal belongings whenever in the downtown area so as not to fall victims of snatching. (Bong Garcia/SunStar Philippines)