Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame
MANILA, Philippines —The Philippine National Police (PNP) has deployed over 47,000 personnel across the country to ensure public safety during the holiday season.
“As of 6 a.m., December 16, we already deployed more than 47,000 personnel nationwide to ensure the safety of Simbang Gabi (Christmas dawn masses), which started early Monday morning,” PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said in a press briefing on Monday.
“This will last until January 6, the end of our Ligtas Paskuhan coverage,” she added.
READ: First day of ‘Simbang Gabi’ peaceful – PNP
In an earlier interview with Radyo 630, Fajardo said the start of the nine-day Simbang Gabi was generally peaceful with no untoward incident monitored.
The police force also dispatched mobile and foot patrols to monitor the situation in areas near churches.
Fajardo added that the PNP installed police assistance desks near churches in case of emergency.