Cops eyeing use of x-ray machines for better mall security

After Sunday night's violent robbery at a mall in southern Metro Manila, the police are considering having mall owners install x-ray machines in their establishments. Radio dzBB's Denver Trinidad quoted Metro Manila police head Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome as saying x-ray machines are better than metal detectors in screening for explosives and weapons. Bartolome stressed he does not want a repeat of Sunday's incident where members of the "Martilyo Gang" managed to smuggle a grenade into the SM Bicutan mall in Parañaque City on Sunday. At least six people were injured in Sunday's incident after the gang members hurled a grenade at their pursuers, Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police will continue to explore ways to improve security at malls and shopping centers to prevent a similar incident. PNP spokesman Senior Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr. said they will coordinate with the mall management and ask them to allow police inside and outside the premises. The present setup in most malls is for mall security to patrol the area inside the mall, while uniformed policemen watch the areas outside the mall. The police are bracing for a rise in criminality with robbers and muggers taking advantage of shoppers as the Christmas season draws closer. – VVP, GMANews.TV