Almost 60k cops deployed for security during Christmas holiday —PNP

Around 59,000 police officers have been deployed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) to provide heightened security at terminals, ports, and shopping areas during the Christmas season, PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac said in an interview on GMA News' Balitanghali Weekend.

"Mula nung weekend na ito, marami nang natutungo sa mga bus terminals, airports, at sea ports. At meron po tayong nakatalaga rin para sa mga malls na alam nating dadagsain ng ating mag kababayan," Banac said.

"And of course yung mga places of worship, mga simbahan. Alam natin na mag sisimula sa Lunes ang simbang gabi. Lahat din ng mga firecracker zones ay meron na rin tayong mga nakatalagang pulis para mapigilan ang ano mang pag gagamit ng mga illegal na paputok," he added.

According to Banac, the PNP will also be on full alert starting at 6 a.m. on Sunday.

Police officers will also be assigned to monitor ares with automated teller machines. Despite this, Banac advised Filipinos to be careful.

"Wag lamang po maglabas ng malalaking halaga kung mag withdraw naman po ng pera. Maari gamitin na lang po yung debit cards ng sa gayon iilan lang talaga o maliiit na halaga lamang ang hawak hawak natin," Banac said.

"Wag po magpapakita ng mga malalaking halaga ng pera na inilalabas sa ating mag pitaka or wallet," he added. — Joahna Lei Casilao/MDM, GMA News