Manila - Philippine Police Director General Avelino Razon on Wednesday expressed fears that crime might increase as people struggled to put food on their tables amid runaway prices.

Razon said he ordered police forces throughout the country, especially in metropolitan Manila, to closely monitor the crime situation amid a perceived food crisis.

"Our presence will be a deterrence to crime," he said, adding that his office is drafting measures to counter a possible rise in crime amid the high food prices.

At least two key cities in the Philippines, Legazpi and Baguio, have resorted to rationing rice amid the soaring prices of the country's staple food.

Government stores selling cheap grains have been swamped by long queues of people.

Aside from rice, prices of pork, vegetables, bread, instant noodles, and even street foods have skyrocketed.

Razon also sought the cooperation of the public to identify and report to the police traders hoarding rice.

"We have sufficient supply of prime commodities, food and rice," he said. "The public must be involved and report if they know someone involved in rice hoarding." (dpa)