PNP to double police deployment during Christmas holidays

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will double its deployment to ensure the safety and security of the public during the Christmas season, its chief said Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters, Police General Camilo Pancratius Cascolan said cases of criminality and even terrorism could increase during the holidays. He answered in the affirmative when asked if the PNP will increase the number of cops who will be deployed. 

"We will. Automatic na 'yan but we have to rationalize the deployment of our forces. When we say proper deployment of our forces and resources, kailangan natin 'yung mga lugar talaga na kailangan ang pulis hindi lang 'yung basta basta mo nilagay ang pulis diyan. Dapat alam din ng pulis ang ginagawa niya, ano rin ang hinahanap niya," Cascolan said.

"You know what Christmas really means. There will be a lot of... there might be an upsurge of criminality or even terrorism. That's why we need to prepare for all these things," he added.

The Metro Manila mayors had suggested the extension of general community quarantine in their localities until December to secure continuous improvement in their COVID-19 situation.

On Tuesday, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority general manager Jojo Garcia said Metro Manila mayors are discouraging the conduct of Christmas parties amid the threat of COVID-19.

Garcia said the mayors are also appealing to private sectors to not hold parties.

For the PNP, Cascolan said he is eyeing to just use their funds to help in the COVID-19 response efforts.

"I am actually contemplating for no Christmas party in the Philippine National Police. They will understand that, instead of using the funds for our Christmas party, we will be giving it out for COVID patients or the COVID fund," Cascolan said. — RSJ, GMA News