FILE PHOTO: PNP spokesperson, Police Col. Jean S Fajardo. INQUIRER FILES
MANILA, Philippines — No significant untoward incident was recorded over the weekend during celebrations of Christmas, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the police did not record any illegal discharge of firearms among their ranks and there was no unfortunate incident that could have disrupted the Christmas holiday.
The PNP declared the observance of the Christmas holiday as “generally peaceful.”
“Masaya tayong maibalita na naging generally peaceful naman ‘yung ating celebration ng Christmas Day at sana ay magtuloy tuloy ito hanggang matapos ang ating taon,” she said in an interview over ABS CBN’s TeleRadyo.
(We are happy to report that the celebration of Christmas Day was generally peaceful and we hope this will continue until the year ends.)
CPP anniversary
The PNP, meanwhile, is still on high alert as the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) celebrates its 54th anniversary on December 26, Fajardo said.
The CPP’s central committee earlier said there was “absolutely no reason” this time to declare a ceasefire.
In the past, the military and the NPA would both announce a holiday truce.
The PNP earlier said it did not receive or monitor any “serious threats” despite the death of CPP founder Joma Sison and the anniversary of the CPP.
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Designated areas for firecrackers
The PNP also reminded the public that only pyrotechnic devices or “pailaw” such as fountains, sparklers, butterfly and the like are allowed in residential areas.
Other firecrackers, it added, are only to be used in designated firecracker display areas established by local government units (LGUs).
“‘Yung mga paputok gaya ng mga triangulo ay pwede lang ‘yang gamitin sa mga designated firecracker display areas na inutos at in-establish ng ating local government units,” Fajardo said.
(Other firecrackers can only be used in designated firecracker display areas set up by LGUs.)
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier urged LGUs to designate a common area for the fireworks display to reduce firecracker injuries.