PNP on alert for holidays

MANILA, Philippines – After All Saints’ Day, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is now preparing security measures for the Yuletide season during which police authorities anticipate an increase in crime rates.

The PNP described last weekend’s observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day as generally peaceful and orderly.

PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa ordered all policemen to maintain vigilance as people who went home to their provinces started returning to Metro Manila late Sunday afternoon until yesterday morning.

“The well-executed All Saints’ Day security plan should serve as our dry run for a similar and much bigger security plan for the Yuletide season,” Verzosa said.

Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome, PNP spokesman, said the PNP will start coming up with a security plan for Christmas.

The PNP usually records a rise in robbery-holdups and petty crimes during Christmas and New Year as criminal elements take advantage of people who usually have more money from their year-end bonuses.       – Cecille Suerte Felipe