Pinoys can now be a part of the larger Pokemon World.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has issued a safety warning for those focused on their smartphones while playing Pokémon GO.
Here is a screenshot of the MMDA’s advisory taken from their official Twitter account.
It reminded the trainers to avoid playing the game while crossing the street. If they just cannot stop themselves from playing the game, the MMDA said that they should use pedestrian crossings and footbridges when crossing the street.
The reminder came out following the launching of the much-awaited, said to be addictive, game in the Philippines on Saturday. iOS and Android users can now download the reality application through the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Many incidents in some countries where the game was earlier launched happened while the gamers were so focused into their devices’ screen and were not conscious about their surroundings which put themselves into danger.
One was the incident in Hong Kong last July were two Pokemon Go players in Kowloon.
Reports say that two men were playing the virtual game in Tsz Wan Shan Estate Central Playground when they hit two Hong Kong men who stood in front of them.
Both pairs got into a noisy argument but later parted ways.
However, the two Hong Kong guys returned soon afterwards bringing with them ten or more mask-wearing men who carried knives and sticks.
The masked mean were reportedly aging 20 to 25 years old.
The gang surrounded the players who were reportedly of South Asian descent who immediately started running away. The gang ran after them to the corner of Wai Wah street where one of the Pokemon Go players reportedly slipped and fell.
The other countries included in the roll out today are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau.
Aside from Pokémon GO, a companion smartwatch device called Pokémon GO Plus is also in the works. The Pokéball-themed device will vibrate and light up when you get near a Pokémon in the real world.