Christmas celebration peaceful, but PNP still on alert for New Year revelry
photo: PNP
Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., acting chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), commended all police commanders and personnel for what he described as peaceful celebration of Christmas across the country.
From the start of the “Simbang Gabi” on Dec 16 up to the Christmas Eve Mass on Dec. 24, Nartatez said the implementation of the security plan was successful as there were no reported incidents that threatened public safety or disrupted the peaceful religious activity.
“I commend all our station and unit commanders on the ground for strategic implementation of security measures and real-time security adjustments in their respective assigned areas and territories during the span of ‘Simbang Gabi’,” said Nartatez.
“Your presence on the ground is a comforting assurance to our kababayan that they will be safe as they intend to fulfill their commitment to complete the masses, be with their family and friends for this important and traditional religious activity,” he added.
Nartatez earlier ordered all police commanders to make the police presence felt for the entire Christmas Season by exhausting all measures for peaceful and orderly Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Police forces were earlier instructed to intensify the campaign against illegal firearms, including those being sold online, to ensure the safety of the public against injuries and even fire.
Nartatez also urged the public to report any case of indiscriminate firing in their respective barangays as he emphasized the danger of such irresponsible action.
More than 100,000 policemen were earlier mobilized for this year’s Ligtas Paskuhan—the police action include street and community visibility, securing residential and commercial areas and strategic operations against criminal elements.
Nartatez also emphasized the need for the coordination with local government units, particularly at the barangay level, in securing subdivisions and other residential areas amid the Holiday mood wherein most of the people usually take advantage of the Christmas break for long vacation.
“Our goal is to ensure a peaceful and meaningful celebration of Christmas and New Year for everybody. We are not lowering our guard for any threat and so far, we are on the right track in fulfilling that goal,” said Nartatez.
And the mission, he said, is not yet done as he expects the PNP to be busier during the New Year revelry amid the annual reports of firecracker injuries.
“The Philippine National Police assures the public that heightened police visibility and public safety operations will continue throughout the remaining holiday season, particularly the New Year celebration,” said Nartatez.