The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is taking proactive measures to ensure a safe environment for residents and visitors in Metro Manila during the Yuletide season.
In a statement, the NCRPO announced that a significant number of active and capable police personnel have been deployed to key locations, including churches, malls, public markets, major thoroughfares, and transportation hubs.
To provide immediate assistance and ensure quick emergency responses, Police Assistance Desks (PADs) have been strategically established throughout the region.
Additionally, the NCRPO has enhanced collaboration with force multipliers, recognizing the importance of partnerships in maintaining public safety.
The NCRPO has also directed all police commanders in the five police districts of Metro Manila (Manila, Quezon City, Northern, Southern, and Eastern) to enforce maximum police visibility around churches during the traditional nine-day dawn masses, known as “Simbang Gabi” or “Misa de Gallo.”
NCRPO director Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin urged the public to remain vigilant, particularly in crowded areas, and to promptly report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) meanwhile asked private security personnel (PSP) for cooperation in ensuring a peaceful holiday season.
“All private security personnel, as recognized force multipliers of the PNP, are reminded of their responsibilities to assist in maintaining peace and order within their respective area of responsibility,” Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (SOSIA) chief Brig. Gen. Marlou Roy Alzate said in a memorandum made public this week.
The SOSIA is the PNP office in charge of licensing private security agencies.
Filipinos troop to mass transportation hubs for the annual exodus to their hometowns and in shopping malls during the Christmas holidays.
The SOSIA also called for vigilance against criminal groups that would take advantage of the big crowd to carry out their illegal activities.
PSPs are reminded to respect human rights, be polite, and remain disciplined while performing their duties.
Earlier, PNP Civil Security Group (CSG) chief Maj. Gen. Leo Francisco said security agencies and establishments must do away with the practice of making security guards wear Christmas costumes that deviate from their prescribed uniform.
Francisco said this will deter criminals from disguising using Christmas costumes to commit crimes.
The CSG is the regulatory unit of the PNP that exercises administrative and operational control over private security industries through the SOSIA.
Police forces are already on security alert status to ensure the availability of personnel in securing terminals, malls, public markets, churches, parks and major streets.
