By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan | Philippine News Agency
Around 6,000 tourist-oriented cops are set to be deployed starting Thursday, Dec. 1 in areas where they expect bigger crowds now that Christmas and New Year is just around the corner, an official of the Philippine National Police said.
PNP Spokesperson, Col. Jean Fajardo, said Monday assistance desks have been set up at transport hubs and major thoroughfares.
“Iyong ating mahigit 6,000 na tourist-trained police ay asahan ninyo na this early ay nandiyan na po sila para maramdaman ng ating mga kababayan kasama ang kanilang mahal sa buhay na sila ay ligtas at makakapag-enjoy po ng kanilang bakasyon (The more than 6,000 tourist-trained police are expected to be deployed this early so that our fellow Filipinos will feel the security along with their loved ones that they are safe and that they can enjoy their vacations),” she said.
Additional police personnel has been deployed in shopping malls, markets and bazaars.
Police personnel are not be allowed to go on leave for the Christmas season as part of heightened security measures for the occasion.
Fajardo said all applications for leave from Dec. 15 to Jan. 10 next year would be canceled, following an order from PNP chief, Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., for increased police presence and visibility for the holiday season.
She also reminded the public anew to be careful against fake money during the Christmas shopping rush.
She encouraged the public to turn over the counterfeit money to banks or file complaints against persons or establishments that disbursed fake peso bills.
The PNP also advised churchgoers not to bring jewelry and large amounts of money lest they attract the attention of muggers and thieves.
“Ang payo natin sa kababayan ay maging alerto. ‘Yung ating personal security and safety ay lagi nating i-una at i-priority. Alam natin na excited tayo mamasyal at makihalubilo lalong lalo na yung Simbang Gabi (Our advice to our fellow citizens is to be alert. Our personal security and safety should always be our priority. We know that we are excited to go for a walk and socialize especially during the night masses),” Fajardo said. (PNA)
