The Philippine National Police (PNP) has deployed more than 35,000 personnel nationwide to secure transport hubs, churches and shopping centers as the country enters the peak of the Christmas holiday season.

Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Tuesday that 35,150 officers have been on duty since 16 December, supported by nearly 5,000 augmentation troops and 22 advocacy groups acting as force multipliers.

The scaled-up deployment aims to manage the massive crowds expected during the annual holiday exodus.

Police visibility has been heightened at major roads and high-traffic locations, with Police Assistance Desks established at transport terminals to provide immediate aid.

Nartatez also warned motorists that the PNP is working with the Land Transportation Office and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to monitor violations such as drunk driving, speeding, and the operation of unlicensed “colorum” vehicles.

As celebrations intensify, the PNP is urging local government units to designate specific firecracker zones to centralize sales and use. Nartatez said these designated areas are necessary to reduce injuries and fire hazards, citing that some residents have already begun using fireworks ahead of New Year’s Eve.

The call for regulated zones followed joint inspections in Bocaue, Bulacan, on 22 December. The PNP is enforcing strict safety standards that require vendors to hold valid permits and sell only clearly labeled products.

Nartatez stressed that the sale of illegal, oversized, or imported firecrackers remains prohibited.

Several dangerous devices are strictly banned under existing regulations, including Watusi, Piccolo, Five Star, Giant Bawang and large-sized Judas Belts. Other prohibited items include Super Lolo, Goodbye Bading, Lolo Thunder, Atomic Bomb and the improvised PVC cannon known as Boga.

Nartatez directed all local units to intensify intelligence gathering and conduct surprise inspections of warehouses and online platforms where illegal explosives are often traded.

He warned that violators of Republic Act 7183, or the Firecracker Law, will face criminal charges, and police commanders who fail to enforce the regulations will be held accountable.

The PNP remains on full alert throughout the holiday period. Nartatez appealed to the public, especially the youth, to avoid illegal explosives and opt for safer alternatives to maintain an incident-free celebration.