Cops placed on high alert on New Year's eve

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) has placed its 150,000 policemen on high alert for New Year's eve, Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas said.

 

Upon instructions from Police Deputy Director General and Officer-in-Charge Leonardo Espina, the PNP has initiated a series of operations as early as December 16 in preparation for the holiday season, including increasing police presence in key places of convergence such as malls and terminals.

 

"Safety is our Christmas gift to the people," Roxas previously told high-ranking officials of the PNP in a command conference.

 

The law prohibiting loose firearms, Republic Act 10591, will also be strictly enforced through Oplan Bakal and Oplan Sita to deter any untoward incidents involving stray bullets, Roxas said.

 

The PNP has begun taping the muzzles of their firearms to prevent  its personnel from using their firearms inappropriately.

 

Roxas said that suspected retailers and owners of illegal firecrackers will be sanctioned pursuant to Republic Act 7138, which provides for the control and regulation of fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices.

 

Meanwhile,  Espina has expressed the commitment of the national police force to enforce the law and ensure the public's safety amid revelries.

 

"The PNP remains focused in doing its job in maintaining the peace and order situation in the country," Espina said.