5, 500 cops will be watching

Some 5,500 policemen will be working on New Year’s Eve to ensure the celebrations and revelry are trouble-free.

Metro Manila police chief Deputy Director Gen. Reynaldo Velasco said yesterday uniformed police officers, augmented by local government and barangay officials, will conduct patrols in known trouble spots of the metropolis to prevent indiscriminate firing and to make sure the ordinance on designated firecracker zones is fully implemented.

"We are also going to secure malls, commercial centers and vital and government installations," said Velasco in an interview.

"We are prepared for the worst, and, at the same time, hoping that the New Year revelry would be peaceful and the casualty figures to be at its lowest level," he said.

Velasco said mobile units of the five police districts will arrest persons burning tires for violation of environmental laws. He said those found closing down streets and alleys will also be apprehended.

Velasco personally sealed with tape the muzzles of guns belonging to elements of the Regional Special Action Unit at the National Capital Regoinal Police Office in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig.

He then directed Chief Superintendent Rolando Sacramento and Senior Superintendent Marcelino Franco Jr., chief of the Eastern and Northern Police Districts, respectively, to do the same when they returned to their respective units.

Velasco then made rounds of the Southern Police District, under Chief Superintendent Jose Gutierrez, where he also taped firearms under Oplan Silent Gun.

Velasco will inspect the policemen’s firearms tomorrow.

In Manila, Mayor Lito Atienza warned those exploding powerful firecrackers and burning tires will welcome the New Year in jail.

Atienza said he has directed the Western Police District to arrest those using firecrackers that could already be considered as explosives, including the Super Lolo, Thunder, Pla-pla, Bawang and Whistle Bomb.

The WPD said small firecrackers will be allowed, but only in designated zones. Others such as Roman Candles, fountains and sparklers can be lighted outside the zones, WPD spokesman Gerry Agunod said.

Atienza also banned the burning of tires and other flammable debris on the streets, which he described as "very dangerous practices."

Manila police seized early yesterday several powerful firecrackers and pyrotechnics found in an abandoned van in Sta. Cruz .

The vehicle, a white L-300 van with license plates DLE 240, was spotted by a patrol vehicle at the corner of Alvarez and Mendoza streets at 4 a.m.

When the van was opened for inspection, police discovered boxes of banned firecrackers such as Giant Pla-Pla, Super Lolo and Baby Dynamite. – With Mike Frialde, Nestor Etolle