CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PamCham) has called for urgent and intensified police action in response to a spike in “bukas kotse” incidents across commercial areas in the province.
In a letter to Police Regional Office 3 director BGen. Jean S. Fajardo dated May 2, PamCham chairman Rene G. Romero and president Atty. Paul L. Yusi cited reports of increased incidents of thefts from vehicles parked in business centers in the cities of San Fernando and Angeles, Magalang town, and the Clark Freeport Zone.
“These incidents threaten not only the safety and property of customers and employees, but also the reputation and economic stability of our local business environment,” read the letter.
“Understandably, this has raised anxiety among stakeholders and may undermine public confidence in the safety of our commercial districts,” it added.
PamCham asked the PRO-3 for greater police visibility, surveillance, and physical patrols, as well as interactive coordination with the establishments in the areas of concern.
Attached with the letter were screenshots of Facebook posts of the “bukas-kotse incidents.”
Earlier, a member of PamCham filed a formal appeal to the chamber, raising concerns over the growing number of cases and calling for decisive measures to safeguard the business community and the general public. For security reasons, the identity of the member has been withheld.
In response, Romero issued an advisory, warning that these incidents, if left unchecked, could undermine public confidence and disrupt business operations.
“We will not tolerate this. Criminals must understand that Pampanga is not open territory for their operations. We earnestly urge immediate and forceful action from the Philippine National Police — more patrols, higher visibility, and swift enforcement. These incidents must be stopped now before they spread further,” he said.
As part of its broader response, PamCham is also coordinating with media partners to roll out public advisories, encouraging motorists to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions while police pursue suspects behind the thefts.
Romero stressed that the chamber will continue pressing for concrete action and will monitor developments closely.
Additional measures are expected to be announced in coordination with local government units in the coming days, he said. Contributed photos
