PNP: Christmas generally peaceful so far

The observation of Christmas has been generally peaceful so far as there has been no untoward incident reported yet, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday.

“Generally peaceful nationwide. No significant untoward incident recorded,” PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo told reporters in a message.

As of 6 a.m. on Monday, one person was reported injured as police recorded six incidents of illegal discharge of firearms.

Eight people have been arrested due to illegal firecrackers.

Due to a fire caused by firecrackers, two people were reported killed and 11 were reported injured.

A total of 34,031 pieces of firecrackers have been confiscated including piccolo, five star, Judas' belt, among others.

Fajardo earlier said that the PNP has not received any credible and serious threats amid the Christmas season.

"As of this time, wala pa tayong namomonitor na anumang [we haven't monitored any] serious and credible threat that would hamper [the] Christmas celebration for the whole holiday season," she said.

However, the PNP still reminded the public and law enforcers to remain vigilant.

PNP chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. urged their personnel to maintain a proactive stance to ensure public safety and security.

The PNP is on maximum deployment in light of the holiday season.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has been on red alert since the start of the traditional Simbang Gabi on December 16.

"So far, relatively peaceful naman po yung ating Simbang Gabi. Wala po tayong naitala o naitatala na major significant incident that would somehow compromise yung ating security and safety po ng ating mga mangingimba. Inaasahan natin na magtutuloy-tuloy po yan," Fajardo said.

(So far, dawn Masses have been relatively peaceful. We have not recorded or recorded any major significant incident that would somehow compromise our security and safety of our pilgrims. We expect that to continue.) — RSJ/KG, GMA Integrated News