Christmas celebration peaceful–PNP
THE Philippine National Police (PNP) described as ‘generally peaceful’ the celebration of Christmas.
Col. Jean Fajardo, PNP spokesperson, said that the number of focus crimes decreased by 66.34 percent on Christmas Eve compared to the numbers recorded during the same day in 2022.
According to the official, the PNP logged 34 focus crimes on Dec. 24, 2023 which were lower than the 101 incidents noted on Dec. 24, 2022.
She said that as of 6:00 a.m. last Monday, they recorded 19 firearm and firecracker-related incidents nationwide, including six cases of illegal discharge of firearms and seven incidents of illegal use, possession and sale of firecrackers.
Col. Fajardo said that one person has been reported hurt as a result of a case of illegal discharge of firearms while five were injured as a result of exploding firecrackers.
A fire in Marikina City last December 17 attributed to exploding firecrackers killed two people and injured five others.
Police are also watching the situation in Bocaue, Bulacan and other parts of the province as it is known for being a seat of firecracker manufacturers.
PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda has ordered his men to confiscate illegal firecrackers being manufactured and sold in the country. So far, police have seized nearly P200,000 worth of prohibited firecrackers.
Gen. Acorda also reminded the 232,675-strong PNP of the true essence of Christmas celebration which is “sacrifice.”
The PNP chief stressed that police officers are entrusted with the duty to serve and protect the Filipino people while facing countless challenges and adversities throughout the year in their commitment to ensure the safety and security of the nation.
“We willingly sacrifice our time, comfort and even our lives to fulfill this noble responsibility,” Acorda explained.
Gen. Acorda also thanked the entire police force for their “unwavering commitment and dedication to the service of the Filipino people.”
