6,000 tourist cops deployed for holidays

MANILA, Philippines — Starting tomorrow, at least 6,000 tourism-trained police officers will be deployed in areas where huge crowds are expected during the Christmas season.

According to Philippine National Police spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo, the PNP would set up assistance desks in transport hubs and major thoroughfares.

Fajardo said more police personnel would be deployed in shopping malls, markets and bazaars.

“Police will be more visible in areas of public convergence during the holiday season,” she said.

Fajardo said police personnel would not be allowed to go on leave beginning Dec. 15, except for emergencies.

“We have to sustain our maximum police presence in public areas,” she said.