PNP launches holiday security plan

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has activated its security plan to ensure the public’s safety during the Christmas and New Year festivities.

Under Oplan Ligtas Kapaskuhan 2022, the PNP is seeking to maximize the presence of police personnel to ensure a peaceful celebration of the Yuletide season.

“Paigtingin ‘yung police presence at pagpapatrolya ng ating mga unipormadong pulis doon sa mga lugar kung saan pumupunta ‘yung ating mga kababayan (Increase police presence and patrols of uniformed officers in areas where people congregate),” PNP public information office chief Col. Redrico Maranan said in a Laging Handa briefing yesterday.

In compliance with the directive of PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., at least 192,950 or about 85 percent of the police force’s estimated strength of 227,000 will be deployed on the streets.

With the government easing restrictions two years after the COVID-19 pandemic, the PNP is bracing for an influx of people in commercial establishments such as malls, concert areas and other places of convergence.

Police will also secure churches for the traditional Simbang Gabi or dawn masses.

Starting Dec. 15, PNP personnel will not be allowed to go on vacation to maximize the number of police officers on the streets to ensure public safety.

Maranan said they will put up police assistance desks in public places to ensure immediate response during emergencies.

He urged the public to always be on alert and aware of the nearest police stations in their areas.