In preparation for the upcoming holiday season, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Southern Police District (SPD), under the leadership of Police Brigadier General Bernard Yang, District Director, is set to deploy 2,154 SPD personnel.
This deployment aims to ensure public safety and security across Southern Metro Manila during the Christmas and New Year festivities.
Aligned with SPD’s mission and functions, this initiative seeks to provide comprehensive security coverage in key areas throughout the Yuletide season.
The personnel will be strategically positioned in places of convergence, places of worship, railways, transport terminals, malls, and markets to address security needs and prevent incidents during these high-traffic periods.
In addition to SPD personnel, 2,069 officers from allied forces and force multipliers will participate in the operation, further enhancing the security presence in crowded areas.
“We are anticipating a surge of people gathering in malls, parks, churches, and other popular destinations during the holiday season. Additionally, bus terminals, train stations, and other transport hubs are expected to be bustling as people travel to their hometowns or tourist destinations,” said Police Brigadier General Yang.
“To ensure the safety and peace of the public, we have mobilized our resources in close coordination with our partners to maintain order and prevent untoward incidents,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Police District (EPD) is preparing to guarantee the safety and security of its community during the entire Yuletide Season Celebration due to a series of expected major events such as Christmas Day, the CPP/NPA Anniversary, Rizal Day, and New Year celebrations.
To support this effort, EPD is set to deploy 1,665 personnel who will oversee strategic areas and places of convergence to ensure peace and order during holiday festivities.
Officer-in-Charge of EPD, Police Colonel Villamor Tuliao, has directed all officers from Pasig, Mandaluyong, Marikina, and San Juan City Police Stations and DMFB to conduct an aggressive information drive on the modus operandi of criminals in their respective areas of responsibility.
He has mandated all EPD policemen to intensify intelligence monitoring against potential threats; enhance police presence in areas of convergence and other tourist destinations; focus law enforcement operations against identified repeat offenders; strengthen target hardening of vital installations; sustain and improve community engagement; conduct continuous simulation exercises; firmly implement red teaming; and establish a solid offensive stance.
These strategies aim to curb crime in Metro East as major events and holidays approach. He also emphasized the use of the “Tech Based Policing System,” a modern approach to preventing and solving crimes.
Furthermore, EPD officials have been reminded to intensify their simultaneous anti-criminality law enforcement operations (SACLEO) to prevent street crimes, especially at night.
Tuliao advised officers to implement SACLEO humanely with proper execution and regularity to avoid complaints against police officers.
“It is our mandate to perform our jobs with strict observance of the rule of law and respect for human rights,” stated the EPD OIC.
Close to 8,000 officers from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) have been deployed in strategic areas to secure Metro Manila during the holiday season.
NCRPO acting chief Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin stated on Thursday that police officers and allied security personnel were deployed in churches, malls, public markets, major thoroughfares, and transportation hubs.
“Ensuring a secure and joyous Yuletide Season is of utmost importance. As we approach this festive time, NCRPO remains steadfast in its readiness and capability to achieve a peaceful and orderly celebration of Ligtas Paskuhan 2024 in Metro Manila,” Aberin said.
Police assistance desks have been established to provide aid and ensure swift emergency response.