Over 8,000 cops deployed for security in Metro Manila this Christmas
GUN TAPING Police seal the muzzles of their firearms at Camp Karingal in Quezon City on Dec. 14, 2015 to show their commitment to the fight against indiscriminate firing during Christmas and New Year. (INQUIRER file photo / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA)
Updated on December 6, 2024 at 11:23 a.m.
MANILA, Philippines — The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) deployed more than 8,000 personnel to secure Metro Manila over the holidays, its Spokesperson Maj. Myrna Diploma told INQUIRER.net on Thursday.
The police force were stationed at assistance desks at churches, malls, public markets, major thoroughfares, transportation hubs and other strategic locations across the capital as part of its “Ligtas Paskuhan 2024” (Safe Christmas) operation.
Members of non-government organizations volunteering for activities involving public safety, or the so-called force multipliers, were also tapped, according to the NCRPO in a separate statement on Wednesday.
READ: PNP aims to sustain decreased crime rate amid Christmas frenzy
Article continues after this advertisementThe NCRPO comprises five districts: Manila Police District (MPD), Quezon City Police District (QCPD), Northern Police District (NPD), the Eastern Police District (EPD) and the Southern Police District (SPD).
Article continues after this advertisementEPD public information office chief Maj. Darius Agmaliw told INQUIRER.net on Thursday that 1,665 of its personnel were deployed in Pasig, Mandaluyong, Marikina and San Juan in time for the Christmas season.
Meanwhile, in a separate statement on Thursday, the SPD said it deployed 2,154 officers.
It added that 2,069 personnel from force multipliers would augment manpower in crowded areas in the cities of Las Piñas, Makati, Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Pasay and Taguig, as well as the municipality of Pateros.
Further, the police force was sending out 1,200 personnel to checkpoints and places of convergence in the City of Manila, MPD spokesperson Maj. Philipp Ines told INQUIRER.net on Thursday evening.
The QCPD and NPD have yet to detail how many personnel they were deploying in their respective jurisdictions.
NPD covers the cities of Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela.
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NCRPO Director Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin urged the public to be vigilant in crowded areas and to report suspicious activities to the police amid the holiday rush.
“Ensuring a secure and joyous yuletide season is of utmost importance, and as we approach this festive time, NCRPO remains steadfast in its readiness and capability to achieve the peaceful and orderly celebration of Ligtas Paskuhan 2024 in Metro Manila,” Aberin said.
