Firecrackers may light up the sky, but the steady presence of police officers on the ground will keep communities safe as the country welcomes the Chinese New Year. This was the Philippine National Police (PNP) assurance as it has activated a strong and highly visible security deployment to ensure peaceful celebrations nationwide, particularly in key activity hubs across Metro Manila.

From16 to 17 February 2026, a total of 7,179 police personnel have been strategically deployed to secure Chinese New Year festivities. This includes security coverage in Chinese communities, business districts, malls, bridges, major roads, and traditional celebration areas in Caloocan City, Manila, and Quezon City, where large crowds are expected.

The deployment focuses on police visibility, traffic management, anti-criminality operations, and quick response teams to prevent crimes and respond immediately to any untoward incident. Checkpoints, mobile and foot patrols, and area security teams have been positioned to ensure that families can celebrate safely and without fear.

“Our goal is simple: makapagdiwang ang lahat nang payapa at ligtas,” PNP Chief P/Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez said. “We want the public to feel our presence not as a disruption, but as reassurance. Ang pulis ay nariyan para magbantay, tumulong, at umaksyon agad kung kinakailangan,” he added.

He emphasized that the security preparations are proactive and people-centered, not reactive. “Hindi natin hahayaang masira ang selebrasyon dahil sa krimen o kaguluhan. We will be highly visible and fully ready,” he said.

Key personnel have been assigned to law enforcement checkpoints, anti-criminality patrols, covert security teams, traffic management units, medical and emergency response teams, bomb detection units, and standby forces ready for rapid deployment. High-density areas such as malls, major roads, bridges, and known Chinese New Year celebration sites are under close monitoring.

This nationwide security effort, Nartatez said, is aligned with the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly through Enhanced Managing Police Operations, ensuring that police resources are deployed efficiently, intelligently, and where they matter most.

As celebrations begin, the PNP reminds the public to remain vigilant, follow safety advisories, and immediately report any suspicious activity to the nearest police officer or station.

With strong preparation, clear coordination, and officers on full alert, the PNP stands ready to keep the Chinese New Year celebration safe and orderly—true to the commitment of a "Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman."