DILG: PNP All Set for Holiday Rush

In anticipation of the holiday season’s rush, Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Mar Roxas has assured the public that the 150,000-strong Philippine National Police (PNP) is prepared to maintain peace and order on the streets.

Roxas in a statement said he has already coordinated with the PNP officer in charge (OIC) PCSupt. Leonardo Espina, to ensure that high crime areas of convergence, especially malls in Metro Manila, will be under the close watch of authorities.

“We saturate these areas with police personnel because criminals cluster around commercial areas,” said Roxas.

Roxas has previously confirmed a downward trend in criminality in NCR mainly due to the deliberate, programmatic and sustained approach that the PNP has taken under OPLAN Lambat-Sibat.

He also explained that part of the operation plan was “Pasadya,” where police interventions were designed based on the particular features of the environment. Force multipliers such as volunteer radio groups and barangay peacekeeping action teams (BPATs) were also deployed with uniformed police personnel to help provide additional security in convergence areas.

“Safety is probably one of the best gifts that we can give the public this season,” Roxas remarked.

These high-traffic and high-crime areas include malls and shopping centers in Marikina, Pasig, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Moriones, Ermita, Pasay, Makati, Muntinlupa, Taguig, Masambong, Cubao, Kamuning and Eastwood.

In addition, Roxas also advised the public to take the necessary precautions to prevent any untoward incidents and to keep the celebrations merry but safe. (DILG)