The Philippine National Police (PNP) has described the country’s observance of Christmas Day as “generally peaceful.”
PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said there were no report of illegal discharge of firearms among policemen, or any significant untoward incident that could have marred the celebrations nationwide.
“Masaya po tayong maibalita na naging generally peaceful naman po iyong celebration ng ating Christmas Day at sana magtuloy-tuloy po ito hanggang matapos po ang ating taon,” Fajardo told ABS-CBN’s TeleRadyo.
However, the PNP remained on alert as the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) marks its 54th anniversary on Dec. 26, she said.
The CPP has rejected a holiday ceasefire with state forces this holiday season following the death of its founder, Jose Maria Sison.
Days ahead of the New Year, Fajardo also reminded the public that only pyrotechnic devices or “pailaw” like butterfly, fountain, luges, sparklers, trumpilyo, and others are allowed in residential areas.
“But the rest po, iyong mga paputok po na gaya po ng mga triangulo, ay pupuwede lang iyang gamitin sa mga designated firecracker display areas na inutos at in-establish po ng ating respective local government units,” she said
The PNP recently arrested 17 people arrested for selling illegal firecrackers, most of them online, Fajardo said.