Gov't beefs up security for the holidays

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang yesterday said police are beefing up security for the holidays.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Philippine National Police would give special attention to the “usually congested places because of Christmas shopping.”

She said the Palace would make sure police visibility would be sufficient to avoid crimes and untoward incidents during the Christmas rush.

Valte also encouraged motorists to utilize the Christmas or Mabuhay lanes set up by the Metro Manila Development Authority to decongest traffic in various main thoroughfares.

Valte said the public must likewise report abusive drivers and traders to concerned government departments and agencies.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP) yesterday called on the Aquino administration and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) to declare a truce this Christmas season.

In a statement, PEPP said it is “anticipating the traditional declaration by both the Philippine government and the NDFP of a unilateral ceasefire in observance of the Christmas season.”

The PEPP, which is said to be the largest ecumenical formation of church leaders in the country, said that with the expected coming of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, they are also reiterating their call for the resumption of the formal peace talks between the two groups.

“The formal talks between the two sides have not resumed since February. We call on both sides to find remedies to the obstacles they face in pursuing the peace negotiations. Both sides should take heart and not erode the bridges built through the years,” PEPP said. – With Evelyn Macairan