PNP: Around 192,000 policemen deployed across the country during holidays

Around 192,000 personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) will be deployed across the country to ensure public safety during the holiday season, PNP chief Police General Rodolfo Azuri Jr. said on Sunday. 

Police will be deployed in all places of convergence where people are expected to spend their Christmas and New Year celebrations, Azurin said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB.

“So kailangan nakikita ang ating kapulisan, ang kanilang mga mobile patrol lalo na kung Simbang Gabi dahil madilim pa. So, dapat very visible ang ating pulis para sa ganoon, anytime na kailangan ng assistance ng ating mga kababayan ay nandyan lang po sila,” he said.

(So, it would be necessary for the public to see our police, their mobile patrols, especially during Simbang Gabi because it is still dark. So, our police should be very visible so that anytime our countrymen need assistance they are just there.)

The PNP chief said that they would tap over 29,400 force multipliers in case additional police presence is needed.

He added that the PNP has established police assistance desks in convergence areas and motorist assistance centers along major roads.

So far, there has been no major untoward report in Metro Manila following the start of Simbang Gabi, Azurin said.

Warns public vs thieves

Meanwhile, the PNP chief warned the public to be wary of thieves in shopping centers and other public places.

“'Yung mga salisi sa mga malls, sa simbahan, lalo na sa Divisoria… sana pag-ingatan nila ang kanilang kagamitan… maging alerto sa lahat ng oras,” he said.

(Those who are in the malls, in the church, especially in Divisoria. I hope they take care of their equipment and are always alert.)

“And then siyempre ang mga akyat-bahay naman, siguraduhin natin kapag tayo ay aalis ng ating mga bahay lalo na kung mahabang time, siguraduhin nating naka-padlock ang mga bahay natin,” he added.

(And then of course regarding the akyat-bahay, let's make sure when we leave our houses, especially if it will be a long time, make sure our houses are padlocked.)

Moreover, Azurin said police will be patrolling along with barangay officials to safeguard each residence against thieves. —KG, GMA Integrated News