PNP: 40K cops deployed nationwide for Christmas exodus

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday said it has deployed around 40,000 police officers across the country to secure bus terminals, seaports, and airports amid the Christmas exodus.

“Nagdagdag po tayo ng mga tauhan, close to 40,000 na po yung dineploy po natin nationwide (We added personnel, we have deployed close to 40,000 nationwide),” PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo told Unang Balita in an interview.

“Kasama na po dyan sa mga places of worship, doon sa mga pantalan, terminal, at airport po in coordination of course doon sa mga management ng mga terminals na ito to make sure na ma-maintain po natin yung ating police visibility and presence sa buong araw po,” she added.

(This deployment covers places of worship, seaports, terminals, and airports in coordination of course with the management of these terminals to make sure that we can maintain our police visibility and presence all day.)

So far, Fajardo said there have been no significant untoward incidents reported during the Christmas exodus. Passengers may seek help from police assistance desks in case they have concerns, she added.

“Katuwang po natin dyan yung ibang ahensya po katulad ng Bureau of Fire Protection. Even yung ating Armed Forces of the Philippines ay nagbibigay din po ng augmentation kapag ganitong mahabang bakasyon po,” she added.

(We are working alongside other agencies like the Bureau of Fire Protection. Even our Armed Forces of the Philippines also provides augmentation during this long vacation.)

Fajardo advised the public to save the contact number of the nearest police station to their homes, schools, work places so authorities can respond immediately to possible emergencies.

The PNP spokesperson advised those who will take public transportation to take care of their belongings and young children during trips.

Fajardo also reminded motorists to check if their vehicles are in good condition and refrain from driving while drunk to avoid accidents. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News