PNP shifts focus, now preparing for Yuletide season

MANILA, Philippines - Police are shifting their focus to the Christmas season now that All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day have passed.

Philippine National Police chief Director General Raul Bacalzo has instructed police to revive the motorized anti-street crime operatives (MASO) to go after criminals, particularly those riding in tandem on motorcycles.

At least 500 policemen under MASO would be deployed to ensure public safety during the Christmas season.

PNP spokesman Senior Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr. said Bacalzo has directed the Directorate for Logistics to check possible procurement of additional motorcycles.

“After All Saints’ Day, the PNP will prepare for Christmas season, and here in the Philippines, we celebrate Christmas in a peculiar manner by preparing for Christmas Day three months before,” he said in Filipino.

Cruz said police have been complementing the people’s holiday mood by enhancing the security preparations against street crimes.

“We will intensify security measures on the streets and even inside the malls,” he said.

Cruz said crime statistics, particularly pickpockets, robbery hold-up and similar incidents, increase during the Christmas season.

Bacalzo has instructed National Capital Regional Police Office director Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome to deploy policemen riding in tandem on motorcycles against thieves, he added.

Similar security preparations will be implemented nationwide, Cruz said.

Coast Guard remains on alert

The Coast Guard remains on alert as ships carrying passengers start returning to Metro Manila from the provinces following All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

Lt. Cmdr. Arman Balilo, Coast Guard spokesman, said vacationers over the weekend have started arriving from the provinces since Monday night.

“But the vessels coming in were not filled up maybe because only those who are working traveled back to Manila, while the students are still enjoying their semestral break since enrollment is this week and their classes would start next week,” he said.

Filipinos traveled to the province during the extended weekend to spend All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

Mr. Aquino had not declared Nov. 2 a holiday.

The Coast Guard has been on security alert since two weeks ago.

Earlier, Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Wilfredo Tamayo said that his people, numbering about 6,000 nationwide, are on alert.

Passenger assistance centers have been set up at the ports and he has deployed sea marshals, anti-terrorism units, elite divers, bomb and drug sniffing dogs, Maritime Environmental Protection Command, and medical teams, he added.

Six floating assets have been sent to the different Coast Guard districts, Tamayo said. – Cecille Suerte Felipe, Evelyn Macairan