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Police will use the image of US President Barack Obama among other scary faces in paper masks during its intensified anti-crime campaign for Halloween, an official of the Philippine National Police said Friday.

Senior Superintendent Gilbert Cruz, director of the PNP Police Community Relations Group (PCRG), said reception of their program has been positive as most persons kept the masks instead of throwing it away.

"They keep it. They bring it home and give it to their children, " Cruz said in a phone interview with reporters on Friday.

Asked why Obama's face is included, Cruz said it's because most people were requesting for it.

"The mask of the US president is popular especially among students. They have been asking it from us," Cruz said in a text message to Daily Manila Shimbun.

Cruz led policemen in giving away the masks at a shopping mall and station of the Metro Rail Transit in Quezon City.

The masks are of a clown, zombie and other scary characters. .

At the back of the masks are anti-crime tips on how to avoid deal with criminals and illegal drugs.

"Our intention is to inform the public on what is best for them so they can avoid drugs, crimes and disasters," said Cruz.

"For our part, if people like it, we take advantage of their curiosity for our objective to teach them about crime prevention tips," he said. Emmanuel Tupas/DMS