PNP: No more Santa cops for Christmas

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) will not revive its “Santa cops” program as part of measures to secure commuters and shoppers during the Christmas season, an official said yesterday.

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr. said uniformed policemen will be deployed on busy streets and malls to deter criminals.

“Apart from 400 policemen to be deployed around malls, there will also be deployment of MASCO (Motorized Anti-Street Crime Operatives) and Special Weapons and Tactics as part of police visibility,” Cruz said.

Cruz said police officers will no longer don the Santa Claus cap to comply with the PNP rules on proper uniform, which prescribe that “when police officers go out in public, they have to be in complete uniform, without additions.”

Cruz said PNP chief Deputy Director General Nica­nor Bartolome ordered the setup of checkpoints in Metro Manila to thwart criminals, particularly those riding motorcycles.

He added that local police units were also instructed to ensure the strict implementation of the Police Integrated Patrol System and institute maximum visibility through static checkpoints and police operations.