Police commanders ordered to start intensifying security measures for Christmas, New Year
Gen. Benjamin Acorda, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), has ordered all police commanders across the country to lay down the security measures to ensure the peace celebration of the Christmas and New Year.
Acorda specifically instructed police commanders to conduct target-hardening measures on vital installations and police visibility in expected places of convergence during the Yuletide season such as churches and malls.
PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said that part of the security measures is the cancellation of all leaves of absence of policemen starting Dec. 15 to ensure sufficient number of policemen in the conduct of security measures.
“We will sustain maximum police presence in places of worship, transportation hubs and terminals, major thoroughfares and places of convergence where we expect the influx of more people,” said Fajardo.
But Fajardo emphasized the cooperation of the public in the implementation of security measures, saying people should also be vigilant and follow the rules and regulations being implemented by government agencies especially in ports and terminals.
As a predominantly Catholic country, millions of people are expected to go to the places of worship, especially during the start of Simbang Gabi.
Millions of people are also expected to take advantage of the long Christmas break, especially for students, to go to their hometowns and go on vacation.