PNP: Christmas Eve celebrations peaceful

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said the celebrations in households and churches during Christmas Eve went peacefully.

“Masaya at payapa nating ipinagdiwang ang Bisperas ng Pasko. Wala tayong naitalang incident kaugnay ng mga misa, at ito ay bunga ng sama-samang disiplina ng mamamayan at maagap na presensya ng ating kapulisan,” PNP acting chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.

(We celebrated Christmas Eve happily and peacefully. We did not record any incidents related to the masses, and this is a result of the collective discipline of the people and the prompt presence of our police force.)

According to the PNP, cops were deployed to churches, transport terminals, and key convergence areas to ensure the safety of churchgoers and the general public this Christmas season.

“Simula pa noong Disyembre 16, tuloy-tuloy ang pagbabantay ng ating mga pulis para sa Simbang Gabi. Kahit Pasko, nandiyan sila—nakatayo, nagbabantay, at handang tumulong. Ito ang tunay na diwa ng serbisyo,” Nartatez said.

(Since December 16, our police have been continuously on guard for Simbang Gabi. Even on Christmas, they are there—standing, guarding, and ready to help. This is the true spirit of service.)

Nartatez thanked church leaders, local government units, force multipliers, and volunteers who worked closely with the PNP to maintain peace and order during the occasion.

Heightened police visibility and public safety operations will be maintained throughout the rest of the holiday season including Christmas Day and New Year celebrations.

“Mananatili kaming nakaalalay sa publiko. Ang ating mensahe ay simple—magdiwang tayo nang masaya, pero laging ligtas,” Nartatez emphasized.

(We will maintain assistance to the public. Our message is simple—let's celebrate happily, but always be safe.)

In a Christmas message, Nartatez cited the values of compassion, humility, and service that guide the PNP as a community-oriented and God-centered organization.

“While many Filipinos spend this season with their loved ones, our police officers remain on duty across the country, doing their part to keep communities safe and peaceful,” Nartatez said.

The PNP also thanked the public for their continued trust and cooperation, noting that these partnerships help ensure a peaceful holiday season. 

“As we mark this holy season, the PNP renews its commitment to serve the people,” Nartatez said. —VAL, GMA Integrated News