Marcos to cops: Maintain reassuring presence amid holidays

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Wednesday called on police officers to maintain a stronger police presence amid the holiday season. 

Marcos said this during the oath-taking of star-ranked officers of the Philippine National Police held at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacañang Palace. 

''As we are in the holiday season, when more people are out in public and families are on the move, this period calls for heightened security and vigilance,'' Marcos said in his speech.

''So, maintain a visible and reassuring presence on our roads, in public spaces, in transport hubs, and in communities where families gather,'' he added.

Marcos called on the police to ensure the safety of the public in order for everyone to feel the true spirit of Christmas, that is with peace and joy. 

''Tiyakin ninyo ang kaligtasan ng bawat mamamayan upang tunay nating maramdaman ang saya ng Kapaskuhan nang may kapanatagan at pagkakaisa, at may tunay na ligaya,'' he said. 

(Ensure the safety of the citizens so that they can truly feel the spirit of Christmas with peace, unity, and joy.) 

The President said, "This season likewise reminds us that public service does not pause even in times of celebration."

''So, continue to serve with honor, lead with purpose, always act in the best interest of our great nation and of the Filipino people,'' Marcos said. 

More than 100,000 personnel would be deployed across the country to secure the Christmas and New Year holidays, the PNP earlier said.

The PNP had increased its deployment from 60,000 last year. —VAL, GMA Integrated News