PNP to deploy over 1,400 cops for Manila’s Chinese New Year

Revelers taking part in the Chinese New Year celebrations in the Manila district of Binondo. (File photo by NIÑO JESUS ORBETA / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — Over 1,400 police officers are being deployed within Manila in line with the country’s observance of Chinese New Year on Feb. 10, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Tuesday.

PNP-Public Information Office data shows the national police had positioned 1,457 personnel as early as Jan. 26.

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Of the figure, 92 are police commissioned officers (PCO), while 1,365 are non-commissioned officers (PNCO). Under the present system, the ranks of PCO start at Inspector, the equivalent of 2nd Lieutenant in the military up to Director General, the equivalent of a 4-star General, while PNCOs, start at Police Officer 1 up to SPO4 (Master Sergeant).

PNP personnel are securing three events: the Meisic Street Food Fair – which will last until Feb. 15, the Chinese New Year’s kick-off ceremony last February 1, and the operation of Mercato Food Stalls in Intramuros last Feb. 2.

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To ensure public safety, more police officers will be deployed during the Lucky Chinatown Mall concert, the Binondo-Intramuros fireworks display on Feb. 9, and the Solidarity Parade on February 10. They will also be dispatched in areas covered by Ongpin Street from Feb. 9 to 11.

As many as 208 police officers will conduct checkpoints at various parts of Manila on Feb. 8, while 102 personnel will be on standby from Feb. 9 to 11 to ensure public safety.