The pamphlets contained instructions on how children could help prevent crimes. Some of the instructions:

* Do not accept invitations or gifts from strangers or mere acquaintances;

* Go home immediately after classes; do not linger on school grounds unless required;

* Report suspicious characters around the house or school to someone in authority;

* Make sure you are with someone when you see a movie or go to recreation areas;

* Inform your parents/guardians/elders about your whereabouts and who you are with for communication and safety purposes;

* Be wary of drug pushers, report them immediately to school authorities, police or your parents;

The pamphlets also mentioned guidelines on how to prevent robbery in the community. The MPD called for regular crime prevention meetings in the barangay so that community leaders could discuss the most common modus operandi of criminals and thieves and the countermeasures against them. The police also called for volunteers, in groups of two or three, to walk the streets in designated areas at specific hours.

The MPD also issued tips on how to prevent child molestation and other crimes committed against children. It urged parents to teach their children that no one, not even someone they know, has the right to touch them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable. "Tell them they have to say no in this situation," the pamphlet said.

Other tips included:

* Show children safe places they can go in your neighborhood in case of an emergency, like the house of a trusted neighbor;

* Inspect your neighborhood for areas that threaten children’s safety, like bush in wooden areas, overgrown shrubberly, poor lighting, etc., and tell them to avoid these places. (Rizal Obanil)

The pamphlets were redistributed early this week during the opening of classes for college students.

MPD director, Chief Supt. Pedro Bulaong said the distribution of the pamphlets is part of their Oplan Balik Paaralan program which aims to provide security to students during the opening of classes.

The tips, he said, will hopefully encourage students to do their part in preventing crime not only in their respective schools but also in the communities where they live.