PNP braces for influx of passengers for New Year celebration

Philippine National Police (PNP) Acting Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. ordered all police units across the country to maximize police visibility in transportation hubs in anticipation of the influx of passengers for the New Year celebration.

- By AARON RECUENCO and MARTIN SADONGDONG

“We expect another influx of passengers for the New Year celebration, especially that there will be a long holiday break. Our goal is to maintain police visibility for them to feel safe from the bus terminals, to the major thoroughfares and to their destinations,” said Nartatez.

He said police units are expected to strengthen their presence in transport hubs such as bus terminals, airports and seaports amid the expected surge of travelers for the New Year's celebration.

Ground personnel were also tasked to be visible in as many major roads, and public areas to ensure peace and order "The mere presence of our personnel on the ground already serves as an assurance to our kababayan that assistance will be there in case of any eventuality," said Nartatez.

Earlier, the PNP announced that over 100,000 police officers will be deployed nationwide for the holiday season, a substantial increase from last year's 60,000 personnel.

Malacañang had earlier suspended work in all government offices on December 29 and January to give government workers a long holiday break.

Police are also expecting that those who went back to Metro Manila after Christmas celebration, and those who were on Christmas duty but will be off on New year will troop to their home provinces to be with their families.