PNP intensifies police visibility as Christmas season starts

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar yesterday ordered heightened police visibility in public places as the Christmas season started.

Eleazar said police should be visible in malls and other leisure areas to ensure that people are strictly observing health protocols.

“Mahalaga pa rin na ligtas at magkakasama ang bawat pamilyang Pilipino sa kanilang mga tahanan tungo sa pagdiriwang ng Kapaskuhan,” Eleazar said in a statement.

He ordered police to protect the public from criminals.

Police have accosted 166,075 people in Metro Manila for violating COVID-19 protocols since Aug. 21 when the region shifted to the less strict modified enhanced community quarantine.

Eleazar urged the public to cooperate with authorities in their continued enforcement of health protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.