Police defend Christmas prank

CEBU, Philippines — Despite backlash on its Christmas prank, Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) has defended its gift-giving act, which was a fake arrest.

Police Colonel Josefino Ligan, CCPO director, said the health of the “suspects” was primarily considered.

“The health conditions of the unsuspecting workers were carefully assessed prior to the conduct of the prank,” he said.

He said coordination meetings between the cooperating business establishments and the police were done to ensure the safety of everyone.

“Through their human resource departments, we identified the recipients of the Christmas gifts, taking into considerations their existing health conditions,” he said.

Dubbed as “arestoaguinaldo,” the prank was played by the city cops on selected individuals who were arrested and were given Christmas gifts in the end.

A video posted on social media showed members of the CCPO and the Air Force playing the prank on two fast-food chain employees on General Maxilom Avenue on Tuesday.

Authorities issued a warrant of arrest against the employees. They were then brought to the police car only to find out that it was a prank and were instead given Christmas gifts that include groceries and other items.

But the prank did not sit well with many netizens, saying it was a bad joke.

Ligan said the activity was just an upgrade of their previous Christmas gimmick.

“If you remember, manakop ta sa mga checkpoint, i-prank nato, hatagan nato og gift. This year, nag level up ta, meaning , the same concept that we have made, however naa nay kunwari complaint that has been issued,” he said.

For his part, CCPO advisory council chairman Pido Tan said “we just want to do something new in line with the spirit of Christmas.”

“With the good intention of giving something, a token, a bundle of joy to those deserving and hardworking person specially during these times na ma-acknowledge sad sila, that is really the intention of the project nato.”

“Yet again, di man nato ma control ang opinion sa other people, but the intention of the project is really pure in heart that we will try to give a memorable, joyful and delightful experience,” he said. — KQD (FREEMAN)