Shun lavish parties, cops told

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) directed policemen yesterday to avoid lavish parties or other unofficial activities and concentrate on their duties to ensure public safety during and after Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Chief Supt. Noel Constantino, acting director for police community relations, said officers should avoid extra-curricular and insignificant activities and should remain in their respective posts to respond to emergency situations.

He urged police officers to refrain from joining lavish parties to celebrate Christmas and New Year.

“Police units in the field were advised to refrain from soliciting funds, but to undertake a simple, meaningful yet cost-effective observance of the Yuletide season and give an opportunity for the PNP families to strengthen camaraderie while ensuring that duty officers are still on-guard in streets,” Constantino said.

Earlier, PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa reiterated his earlier orders that enhanced security operations must be strictly observed for the safety of the people who are expected to visit shopping centers, churches, transport terminals and other public places.

The police would establish assistance desks, deploy road safety marshals, continue operations against suspected criminals and strict implementation of Republic Act 7183, the law on the manufacture and sale of illegal firecrackers.

Dela Rosa said the intensified law enforcement operations against loose firearms and people involved in illegal discharge of firearms would continue.

Dela Rosa urged the public to support and cooperate with their security protocols to ensure the celebration of the holiday season is peaceful.

A “No Break Policy” was earlier enforced by the National Capital Region Police Office to ensure the security of Metro Manila residents.