Manila, March 20 -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday allayed fears of a possible uptick in robbery and theft linked to rising fuel prices, saying it is prepared to maintain peace and order under any scenario.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the current economic situation is unlikely to trigger a spike in crime but assured the public that contingency measures are in place.

"The PNP's security plan and personnel training are always geared toward worst-case scenarios," Nartatez said in a news release.

He said the PNP has intensified foot and mobile patrols, particularly in high-risk areas such as markets, transport hubs and commercial districts.

Uniformed personnel have also been deployed in public markets, t...