By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan | Philippine News Agency
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is increasing its presence on the ground to protect holiday-goers during the Yuletide season.
PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil directed intensified security operations to ensure public safety, prevent criminal activities, and address political security challenges.
“Christmas is a season of joy and giving, but it is also a period when criminal elements may exploit public vulnerability. The PNP is committed to making this season safe and secure for all Filipinos,” Marbil said in a news release Sunday.
More police personnel will be deployed in high-traffic areas such as malls, markets, and transport hubs.
“The presence of uniformed personnel in public areas is a reassurance of our dedication to protecting the public. We aim to provide peace of mind during the holiday rush,” Marbil said.
He also urged the public to remain vigilant by verifying transactions and avoiding suspicious links as online scams and fraud proliferate during the holidays.
“Our operations target the syndicates behind these scams, but the public’s awareness and caution are crucial in preventing victimization,” Marbil said.
The police is also preparing for political activities, including the Iglesia Ni Cristo rally in support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s anti-impeachment call against Vice President Sara Duterte.
“Our mandate is clear: to ensure public safety under any circumstances. The PNP is a professional and apolitical organization. We are here to serve and protect all Filipinos, regardless of the political climate,” Marbil said.
Safe, secure NCR
Meanwhile, National Capital Region Police Office acting chief Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin said there would be “maximized” police presence on the streets and areas where people are expected to converge.
“We will not give the criminals the opportunity to plan out their criminal designs by proactively conducting massive police operations against them,” Aberin said.
NCR logs 28% drop in crime rate
Meanwhile, Aberin reported that the crime rate in Metro Manila has dropped by 27.93 percent for the period Dec. 1 to 7.
He said the total number of crimes dropped by 652—from 2,334 logged on Nov. 24 to 30 to 1,682 during the first week of December.
“This significant decrease highlights the NCRPO’s operational momentum and the successful application of its AAA Policing principles: able, active, and allied,” Aberin said.
The NCRPO covers the Manila Police District, Quezon City Police District, Northern Police District, the Eastern Police District and Southern Police District.
On Dec. 1 to 7, the NCRPO conducted 205 operations, leading to the arrest of 303 individuals and the confiscation of 2,315.29 grams of shabu and 1,003.40 grams of marijuana, with a total estimated street value of P15,963,860.
In the campaign against wanted individuals, Metro Manila cops successfully arrested 165 most wanted persons and 227 other wanted persons.
Efforts against illegal gambling meanwhile resulted in the arrest of 518 violators and the confiscation of P124,716.00 in 206 operations.
In the campaign against illegal firearms in preparation for the 2025 national and local elections, the NCRPO arrested 49 individuals and confiscated 51 firearms in 49 operations.