PNP headquarters brings back its Christmas lights display

The Philippine National Police on Wednesday staged a program of performances and fireworks as it lit up its headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City for the Christmas season.

According to Raffy Tima’s “24 Oras” report, the ceremony to turn on the  Christmas lights display has become a tradition every year, with PNP personnel and their families gathering to watch the lightning of the giant Christmas tree and life-size belen. It returns this year after it was put on hold the last two holiday seasons due to the pandemic.

Thousands of LED lights were used to light up the front part of the main headquarters and other buildings in Camp Crame, while a marching band played tunes for the crowd. Officials at the ceremony also wore festive Santa hats for the occasion.

It was not all joyous news, however, as the PNP also said that its personnel will not be permitted to go on leave during the holiday season.

“Pagdating po ng December 15 ay wala muna pong papayagan na mag-leave na PNP personnel po natin, at ‘yan po ay tatagal po hanggang January 10. At ‘yung mismong Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve po ay sisiguraduhin po nating may sapat po tayong bilang ng mga pulis po natin na magbabantay sa mga simbahan, sa mga plaza,” PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said.

(When December 15 arrives, the PNP personnel will not be allowed to go on leave, and that will last until January 10. And on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, we will make sure we have sufficient policemen to monitor churches and plazas.)

Police personnel have received their bonus this month, which is equivalent to one month's salary.

The PNP advised its personnel to save their bonus for Christmas and New Year.

“Welcome po kung mayroon pa pong additional na ibibigay sa ating mga pulis,” Fajardo said.

(We welcome any additional bonus to give to our police personnel.) — Richa Noriega/BM, GMA Integrated News