MANILA (AFP) - Pokemon players in the crime-plagued Philippines were warned Thursday (Aug 11) to play the game in pairs for their own safety.

Police issued the alert days after the hugely popular game that has taken the world by storm finally launched in the country.

Community relations group chief Gilbert Cruz advised Filipinos to go "Pokemon-hunting with at least one friend".

He told people wandering the streets hunting virtual monsters: "Don't go to crime-prone and dimly-lit areas. Always be alert."

Since its global debut, Pokemon Go has sparked a frenzy among users who have taken to the streets with their smartphones.

The craze comes amid President Rodrigo Duterte's bloody crackdown on crime that has left hundreds of suspects dead.

A children's night curfew has also been imposed in some districts of the capital Manila.