In a picture taken on December 15, 2011, children sing Christmas carols near lanterns on display, locally known as “parol” along a street in Manila. AFP PHOTO/TED ALJIBE (Photo by TED ALJIBE / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — Outgoing Philippine National Police chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar ordered police officers on Thursday to begin nighttime patrols to ensure the security and safety of carolers, mostly children, this holiday season.
“As Christmas draws near, we expect children to go out of the streets and visit house to house for the yearly tradition of caroling. This is why I have directed the police to start their night patrols, not only to protect our carolers, but to also ensure that they are following health protocols,” he said.
The national government allowed outdoor caroling in areas under the least restrictive Alerts Level 2 and 1, subject to certain rules.
The Department of Health advised carolers to still wear face masks and face shields, explaining that individuals who are singing are usually producing more respiratory particles that could transmit the coronavirus.
Eleazar urged the public to continue observing health protocols and avoid complacency just because the number of COVID-19 cases are decreasing.
“Our Christmas will be merrier if COVID-19 cases continue to go down, and we will be able to celebrate the holidays with our loved ones without sickness,” he said. —DEXTER CABALZA