Figure 1. Filipino Community Members pose with Chargé D'affaires, a.i. Marcos Punsalang and Lieutenant Mauricio Serrano of the Carabineros de Chile after the latter's presentation

Figure 2. (Top) PH Embassy with Carabineros de Chile; (Bottom Left) Lt. Serrano lectures on basic rules on safety on the streets; (Bottom Right) Chargé D'affaires Punsalang presents token of appreciation from the Embassy to Lt Serrano

In an effort to provide the Filipino Community in Chile with the right tools to protect themselves against common crimes in Santiago, the Philippine Embassy organized a seminar held on 12 August 2017 at OTIC at Santa Beatriz, Providencia that focused on “Personal, Home and Neighborhood Safety” with Lieutenant Mauricio Serrano of the Carabineros de Chile or the National Police of Chile as guest speaker.

Around 100 participants attended the event that sought to incorporate “security conscious” habits into daily routine in order to make an individual and his or her home less vulnerable. Participants were also reminded of basic safety rules such as staying alert in one’s surroundings and as much as possible escaping, rather than confronting, threatening situations. A demonstration of the 133 or 911 emergency police hotline was also given. A lively question and answer segment followed the presentation, during which some of the participants shared stories about their experiences of encountering crime and which practices allowed them to escape the threat.

            Chargé D’affaires, a.i. Marcos Punsalang delivered his closing remarks, during which he emphasized the need for everyone to use common sense even in a relatively safe place like Santiago, and remember crime prevention tips to increase personal safety.END