More than 64,000 policemen have been deployed in various transportation hubs and places of convergence across the country as part of the security measures for the Christmas and New Year celebrations, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda, Jr. said the policemen were also reinforced by force multipliers from various government agencies that include those from the local government units through their respective barangay tanod and traffic and order units.

Acorda said the security measures that they are now implementing will be extended until the first few days after the return of the millions of people who went to their hometowns and who went on vacation during the long Yuletide break.

“Our security measures will be until everything is back to normal, until January depending on the severity of threats that we would receive,” said Acorda.

Acorda earlier ordered all police commanders to implement security measures that are appropriate in their respective areas of responsibility.

Among them are the conduct of police visibility patrols, conduct of random checkpoints and setting up of police assistance desks in order to ensure quick police response in cases of emergency.

Acorda said the regional offices and the national headquarters are always ready to deploy additional units if any area in the country would need it.

“Commanders on the ground have their prerogative. They can make some adjustments,” said Acorda.

“If they want additional forces from the National Headquarters, we have a reserve force that is always ready,” he added.

As most of the people have already gone to their respective hometowns to celebrate Christmas and New Year, Acorda said they will immediately start the implementation of security measures for their return next month.