PNP intensifies New Year security preps
PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) Chief General Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr. on Wednesday ordered stepped-up foot and mobile patrols in Metro Manila and the rest of the country as part of their security preparations for the New Year celebration.
Being guarded by the police force are all places of convergence, specifically public transport terminals, including bus, airports and piers, shopping malls, public markets, hotels, places of worship, and other tourist destinations.
The PNP chief said they would be going “all-out” against manufacturers, distributors and sellers of illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnics and people who will violate the ban on indiscriminate firing during the New Year revelries whether they are members of law enforcement agencies or ordinary trigger-happy civilians.
Azurin also reminded the public anew to be wary of the importance of staying safe and secure. “The holiday season is a time for celebration and spending time with loved ones, but it’s also a time when we need to be extra vigilant to protect ourselves and our communities,” the top cop said.
The PNP chief assured the citizenry that police forces have been placed under the highest security alert status to ensure the availability of personnel on the streets and other places of major public convergence.
Further, Azurin reminded all police commanders of the operational guidelines and procedures to maintain order, law enforcement, and provide public safety services during the Yuletide season.
The Ligtas Paskuhan 2022 operational guidelines include police presence, such as the establishment of Police Assistance Desks, deployment of road safety marshals, and focused law enforcement operations to include the continuous conduct of the PNP “Campaign Against Illegal Drugs.”
It also includes the implementation of RA (Republic Act) No. 7183 (Illegal Manufacture and Sale of Firecrackers and Pyrotechnics), target hardening measures like utilization of force multipliers, police-community partnership and information operations.
“Any untoward incident or crime situation that may occur should be reported immediately to the nearest police station, and people should not hesitate to reach out to the authorities when they see something suspicious or if they need assistance,” Azurin said.
