photo: PNP
Security measures are in place for the Holiday season to protect not only Filipinos but also foreign tourists visiting the country to witness how it is like to celebrate Christmas in the country, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Wednesday, Dec. 17.
The Philippines is known for having the longest Christmas celebration and for having one of the jolliest in the world, including colorful decorations in malls and other public places and fiesta-like feast and parties.
This is what encourages foreign tourists to visit the country and acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. said that they have been intensifying security measures to ensure their safety amid the holiday season.
“The Philippine National Police is taking a proactive approach to address concerns about crimes and other safety risks in key tourist destinations across the country,” said Nartatez amid Canada’s issuance of a travel advisory urging its citizens to stay alert should they visit the Philippines.
“We take these travel advisories seriously. We are continuously conducting regular and real-time adjustments especially in high-risk areas. Tourists should feel reassured that we are on alert and ready to respond 24/7 to any incident,” said Nartatez.
He added that coordinated efforts with local government units, tourism offices, and community stakeholders are key in maintaining safety.
“We always make sure that police visibility is high in tourist spots. Our goal is to make sure that visitors can enjoy the Philippines safely,” he said.
Police are also encouraging tourists and local communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through official hotlines and mobile applications.
Community-based programs such as neighborhood watch initiatives, safe zones, and volunteer guides are being expanded to further protect visitors and ensure smooth coordination during emergencies.
More than 100,000 police personnel were deployed nationwide to ensure public safety for the holiday season.