1st day of ‘Simbang Gabi’ peaceful – Azurin
THE Philippine National Police (PNP) noted a “generally peaceful” 1st day of the traditional 9-day “Misa de Gallo” as uniformed and plainclothes officers were deployed to secure churches nationwide, PNP Chief General Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr. said on Friday.
“It is important for police to be present and visible during this Christmas season to ensure the safety and security of our communities,” the top cop said as the 1st day of “Simbang Gabi” started as part of the Catholic Filipinos’ tradition.
The PNP chief said that during the 9-day period, they will mobilize police beat patrol and mobile patrol elements in the vicinity of Catholic churches and chapels hosting these religious activities.
Azurin said that the 226,000-strong police force is now on full alert status as part of their security and public safety plan to make this holiday season “meaningful, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.”
He also directed all PNP unit commanders to make the necessary adjustments in the deployment of foot and mobile patrol to cope with large crowds gathering and parties, along with extended mall hours and operation of night markets and food parks during the holiday season.
“In addition to their regular duties, these police officers play a crucial role in maintaining order and helping prevent crime during this time as they may also be called upon to provide traffic control, respond to emergencies, and assist with crowd management at events,” Azurin said.
‘Estomo: 50 addt’l motorcycle cops deployed in Metro’
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director Major Gen. Jonnel C. Estomo said they had added 50 motorcycles to reinforce the mobility of their patrolmen in Metro Manila during the period.
The motorbikes will be assigned to patrolmen of the Manila, Northern, Eastern, and Southern Police Districts and the NCRPO Regional Headquarters Support Unit, he added.
Estomo said that the new motorcycles will further enhance the productivity and competence of NCRPO personnel in responding to the needs of the public, especially during this holiday season, and to successfully fulfill the sincere commitment which is to serve and protect.
The 50 units of Yamaha FZ motorcycles will solely support and strengthen the patrol operations of the metropolitan police force, with ten of them allocated to the NPD, 14 to the EPD, 13 to the MPD, ten to the SPD, and three to the NCRPO-RHSU.
“These motorcycles are to be utilized to scan narrow alleys that cannot be reached by mobile cars,” Maj. Gen. Estomo said amid the stepped-up implementation of his S.A.F.E. NCRPO program, which is short for a Metro Manila police force that can always be ‘Seen, Appreciated and Felt by the community thru Extraordinary Good Deeds.’
