Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 3) — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has announced that it will go on high alert and will increase deployment of personnel nationwide throughout the holidays.
“Ine-expect po natin na by Dec. 15, at least 85% of the total strength ng PNP, lahat ‘yon ay magre-render ng patrol duties sa lahat ng areas of convergence,” PNP Spokesperson PCol. Jean Fajardo said Saturday.
[Translation: We expect that by Dec. 15, at least 85% of the total strength of the PNP will render patrol duties in all areas of convergence.]
Included in the heavier PNP deployment are plainclothes officers.
“Maliban sa mga unipormado nating pulis ay naglalagay na rin tayo ng mga naka-civilian para siguraduhin na hindi tayo malulusutan ng mga nagbabalak gumawa ng masama,” Fajardo said.
[Translation: Aside from uniformed police, we will deploy officers in civilian attire to ensure that those with evil intentions will not get through us.]
Police deployment had already increased since Thursday, Dec. 1, Fajardo clarified.
Police presence will be concentrated around areas of convergence such as large markets, malls, transportation terminals, and tourist spots nationwide.
“Inaasahan natin na magdodoble, kung ‘di man magtitriple, ang dagsa ng mga tao ngayong taon dahil nga halos wala na tayong restrictions. Ang binabantayan talaga natin ‘yung matataong lugar, tulad ng palengke. Dito sa NCR, ‘yung Divisoria,” she continued.
[Translation: We expect that the rush of people will double or even triple because there are almost no more restrictions. What we’re watching out for are crowded spaces like markets. In the NCR (National Capital Region), there is Divisoria.]
Fajardo highlighted the increased deployment from the Manila Police District, as over 500,000 citizens are expected to crowd the Divisoria Commercial Center located between the Tondo and Binondo districts.
It also said that the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard had committed personnel to augment police forces on duty.
CNN Philippines Correspondent Currie Cator contributed to this report.
