AS the country enters the Yuletide season, Philippine National Police (PNP) acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., the tightening of security measures nationwide to ensure that Christmas and New Year celebrations are “safe, orderly, and enjoyable for all.”
The PNP announced that all police units have shifted to heightened security posture under Ligtas Paskuhan 2025 operational guidelines, a comprehensive plan designed to manage the surge of activities, travel, and gatherings that traditionally come with the holidays.
Police visibility will be increased in busy areas, including transport terminals, church premises, commercial districts, and popular holiday destinations.
Nartatez said the adjustments were meant not just to enforce safety, but to help “maintain the joyful spirit that Filipinos hold dear during Christmas.”
“Christmas is always a special time for Filipino families. We want everyone to enjoy it without worry—whether you’re attending Simbang Gabi, traveling home, or simply walking around the city to shop or celebrate,” said Nartatez.
“Our presence is to protect, but also to assist. We want people to feel comfortable approaching any police officer on duty,” he added.
With a wave of Overseas Filipino Workers expected to arrive this month, major airports and ports are preparing for high passengers traffic.
Police assistance desks have been posted at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Mactan-Cebu International Airport, and key seaports and bus terminals.
Officers will support crowd management, traffic flow, lost-and-found cases, and emergency incidents.
Churches across the country, especially those historically packed during the nine-day Simbang Gabi, will also see increased police deployment.
Patrol teams will work closely with parish volunteers to ensure orderly ingress and exit of churchgoers.
Beyond crowd management, the PNP is strengthening operations against theft, robbery, and other crimes that tend to rise during the holiday rush.
Police officers will be deployed in crowded markets and commercial areas, while police checkpoints will be more frequent, particularly along major thoroughfares leading to provincial destinations.
As part of preparations for the New Year celebration, police units are coordinating with local government authorities on designated firecracker zones.
The PNP will strictly monitor the sale of illegal pyrotechnics and enforce penalties on those who violate safety regulations.
Nartatez also reminded gun owners to uphold responsible firearm handling.
“We will be very firm this year. Indiscriminate firing is dangerous, reckless, and unacceptable. Everyone deserves to celebrate the holiday season safely in their own homes and communities,” he said.
The PNP emphasized that keeping the holiday season safe is a shared undertaking. Police stations have partnered with LGUs, transport authorities, barangay officials, mall and establishment security teams, and various civic groups to streamline traffic plans, emergency response protocols, and crowd control.
In tourist areas such as Baguio, Boracay, Siargao, Tagaytay, and Davao City, local police units have strengthened coordination with resort operators and local tourism offices to support visitor safety.
Despite the challenges that come with the season, Nartatez expressed optimism that a peaceful celebration is achievable through cooperation.
“Pasko is a time of kindness and community. If we look out for one another—kahit simpleng pag-report ng suspicious activity—we help keep the season safe for all,” he said.
