'No security threats during holiday season'

MANILA, Philippines - State forces have not reported any possible security threats this holiday season, President Aquino said yesterday.

“I have not been apprised of any new developments that will warrant heightened security,” he said in an informal briefing in Malacañang. 

The police and the military, however, would still ”heighten their sensitivities” in public places especially when the traditional Simbang Gabi starts.

The President, commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said the police and military are capable of maintaining peace and security.

“Hindi ko na dapat utusan iyong mga dapat may gawing trabaho na gawin iyong mga trabaho nila (I don’t have to tell those responsible to do their jobs),” he said. “I’m fortunate that the people… that I’ve gotten have been doing their jobs even without my reminding them to do so.”

He deferred comment, however, on when the suspension of military operations against the New People’s Army would be implemented.          

He said the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and the defense department have not yet given advice on the matter.

The holiday season in the Philippines extends to the New Year celebration, when it is customary to light fireworks.                

Every year, hundreds suffer injuries, even death, because of indiscriminate use of fireworks.

Because of this, the Department of Health (DOH) and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reiterated the need to establish communal firework displays.

Health Secretary Enrique Ona urged community leaders to organize a public fireworks display.

 MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the cities of Marikina, Makati and Manila have committed to set up communal firework displays. He said public firework displays should be held in locations with buffer zones to prevent injuries and accidents.           

Ona and Tolentino yesterday inspected firework outlets in Bocaue, Bulacan with Bulacan Gov. Wilhelmina Sy-Alvarado and Bocaue Mayor Eduardo Villanueva.

 The inspection is part of the DOH’s campaign to reduce firework-caused injury dubbed as “Aksyon: Paputok Injury Reduction.” – With Sheila Crisostomo