PNP going on Yuletide full alert

Most deskbound police officers will be deployed to do field work as part of preparations for the country's extended Christmas season, the Philippine National Police said yesterday.

In a statement, the PNP said 85 percent of its entire force shall be tasked to physically be present in public places and areas of congregation just like during Undas or All-Saints' and All-Souls' days.

According to P/Col. Redrico Maranan, police units had been given their marching order by PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. to ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of the celebrations.

"During the holiday season, anyway, we will put the police on full alert status. So basically, 85 percent of our total strength will also be deployed outside," Maranan said.

Extra uniformed personnel shall be deployed in shopping malls, flea markets, parks and other places of convergence. The PNP will go on full alert one week before Christmas, he said.

Likewise, the PNP will be unrelenting in its anti-illegal drug operations, the police officer said, including cracking down on the sale and use of so-called party drugs like ecstasy tablets.