PNP: No threats monitored, 41K cops to be deployed for Pasko 2024

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it will deploy more than 41,000 cops nationwide even as it said that no threats have been monitored so far in connection with the celebration of the Christmas season.

Regional directors have the discretion to increase the number of the initial deployment of personnel if needed.

“Initially, mga around 41,000 plus po ang ide-deploy po natin nationwide,” PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said in a press briefing.

(Initially, we will deploy over 41,000 personnel nationwide.)

“By next week po, December 15, ay wala na po tayong papayagan na mag-leave sa ating mga kapulisan except sa mga may emergency po na kailangan po nilang asikasuhin. This is to make sure na may sapat tayong bilang ng ide-deploy on holiday season,” she added.

(By next week, December 15, we will no longer allow any of our police officers to take leaves except for those who have emergencies that they need to attend to. This is to make sure that we have a sufficient number to be deployed during the holiday season.)

According to Fajardo, PNP chief General Rommel Marbil ordered more police visibility in areas of convergence such as markets, malls, and transport terminals in light of the expected influx of travelers.

The PNP on Sunday said its units nationwide have been directed to intensify regular patrols in high-traffic areas as the holiday season approaches.

“Christmas is a season of joy and giving, but it is also a period when criminal elements may exploit public vulnerability. The PNP is committed to making this season safe and secure for all Filipinos,” Marbil said in a statement.

The PNP’s Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) is also looking at curbing online scams and fraud that proliferate during the Christmas season. —RF, GMA Integrated News