CEBU, Philippines — Sirens wailed from the patrol cars in what appeared to be police operations in different areas of Cebu City yesterday. Warrants of arrest were to be served and simultaneous checkpoints installed.
Except that it was only a prank.
Members of the Cebu City Police Office were not out to pursue a criminal or something; they were out to give Christmas surprise to some residents.
In a video posted by The FREEMAN, a policeman was seen “explaining” the crime of estafa to two employees but they could not recall having committed the same.
Upon reading the fake warrant of arrest, the two puzzled employees went with the police acknowledging “arrest.” As they were about to board the patrol car, a group of police personnel came out and greeted them with a carol.
The employees received a gift bag containing, several kilos of rice, shirts and other Christmas bundles.
A total of eight employees stood as beneficiaries in the CCPO’s gift-giving activity dubbed as “Arrestoguinaldo.”
To select these recipients, the CCPO, together with the advisory council, coordinated with these establishments’ management. The management then picked two of their employees to receive these gifts.
The 11 police stations under the CCPO also conducted simultaneous checkpoints not to enforce traffic laws but to actually sing Christmas carols and give the Christmas bundles to PUJ drivers. Instead of issuing violation tickets, the PNP just only reminded drivers to follow the law next time.
Among those who received the said gift packs was taxi driver Susimo Cantilapos from San Fernando town. The police have first flagged him down saying he committed violation for non-wearing of seatbelt and face shield as seen The Freeman’s live video.
The cop then asked for his registration permit as Cantilapos reasoned that he just helped a passenger unload stuff from his taxi. Hence, he failed to wear his seatbelt. While explaining, the other door of his taxi opened revealing the carolers from the advisory council and handed him the a bucket of Christmas bundle.
“Nakuyawan ko uy. Dako kaayo ang lukat ron.,.kuyawa gyud nako uy,” Cantilapos said, rubbing his chest in relief.
Police Colonel Josefino Ligan, CCPO director, told reporters the activity was their way of sharing the Christmas spirit to the public, which was welcome respite to their usual law enforcement functions.
“In the spirit of Christmas, on the side sa kapulisan, naa pud ta ana, ago pud igahin atong mga grasya, manghatag gyud ta,” said Ligan. —JMD (FREEMAN)