Philippine National Police (PNP) deputy operations chief, Police Lt. General Camilo Pancratius Cascolan, recently issued a press statement affirming their 195,000-strong police force is on full alert until January 5, 2020.
“This alert condition ensures the readiness of PNP units to respond to contingencies and police emergencies that are perennially associated with the traditional observance of the Yuletide Season including the traditional exodus of people from the urban centers to the provinces, religious practices, festive atmosphere, and high-economic activity,” the law enforcement official stated.
Cascolan also noted the implementation of enhanced-managing police operations strategy, which he described as “encompassing other operational campaigns on law enforcement and public safety, primarily internal security.”
Meanwhile, it was earlier reported, Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) director, Police Colonel Henry Biñas said Police Regional Office-6 sent an additional 71 police officers to augment the city’s police force during the holiday season. He noted, they will deploy additional police officers to the city’s “crime-prone areas.”
The city police chief added, he is hoping the additional police officers will be permanently assigned under the BCPO.
In addition, Cascolan said the PNP’s “Paskuhan 2019” initiative will also address the matter of illegal firecrackers and celebratory gunfire activity.
Earlier this year, the PNP reiterated policies surrounding firecrackers.
“We adhere to the order of President Rodrigo Duterte, through Executive Order 28, which regulates the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices nationwide,” affirmed PNP officer-in-charge, Police Lt. General Archie Francisco Gamboa.
Signed in 2017, the said order cites RA 7183, which regulates the sale, manufacture, distribution, and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices, and authorizes the PNP to determine which firecrackers and other pyrotechnics are prohibited./WDJ