
CAMP DANGWA, Benguet – Police Regional Office-Cordillera chief Brig. Gen. Mafelino Bazar on Tuesday, Dec. 26, said that Christmas in the region was generally peaceful.
"We have not monitored any major untoward incident that affected our celebration of the holiday season here in the Cordillera region," Bazar said.
He deployed 1,279 policemen to intensify security measures in the region for Christmas.
As a result, the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division (RIDMD) said there were only 33 crimes reported from Dec. 16 to 26, down 54 percent, compared to the same period last year with 61.
Bazar cited the police in ensuring peace and order during the holiday season in the Cordillera.
“I want to commend the efforts of all personnel to keep the Cordillera region peaceful and orderly again for the celebration of Simbang Gabi and Christmas Day. With the full alert status of our police force here in the Cordillera, we have ensured that welcoming the New Year will once again be a happy and safe celebration," said Bazar.
Meanwhile, Bazar warned civilians and the police against indiscriminate firing of guns during the New Year celebration. He said that anyone who fires a gun on Dec. 31 in the region will be prosecuted.