The Philippine National Police (PNP) is now on full alert for the Holiday season, further heightening police visibility to malls, event venues, parks, and churches.

In this year’s celebration, the government loosened restrictions and health protocols as mass gathering is now permitted with the voluntary wearing of face mask in some areas.

However, police forces warned people to be vigilant about possible criminal activities.

PNP launched operational guidelines to secure safety during the Yuletide season.

Oplan Ligtas Kapaskuhan 2022

The ‘Oplan Ligtas Kapaskuhan 2022’ aims to deploy a maximum number of police personnel to maintain a peaceful Holiday season.

According to PNP chief Rodolfo Azurin, there will be over 192,950 or about 85% of police personnel to be deployed on the streets.

Alongside, crimes are also expected to lower due to the ‘mobilization of force multipliers to augment support to local police units in security operations, continuous checkpoints and chokepoints, timely release of infographics on safety tips to avoid being victimized by cyber criminals, arrest manufacturers, resellers and users of illegal firecrackers and pyro technique device’.

No sealing of firearms

As part of the New Year preparation, muzzle tapes will not be mandated on police firearms this year, Azurin said.

However, police and private citizens are still prohibited from using firearms for celebration under a serious penalty.

High alert for CPP activities

The Special Action Force and 17 Regional Mobile Force Battalions will also be on high alert in case of any threats and attacks from the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)Earlier, as they mark their 54th anniversary on December 26.

Oplan Ligtas Paputok 2022

Earlier, PNP Chief General Azurin rounded in Bocaue, Bulacan with Governor Daniel Fernando to ensure that firecracker stores were complying with the Republic Act 7188 or the act regulating the sale, manufacture, and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices, and the promotion of health and safety and general welfare of the people.

Other agencies also began their Holiday operations.

The Department of Health (DOH) encouraged people to use alternative noise-making devices to prevent fire and injuries.

The agency is expecting an increase in hospital patients due to the lifted lockdown and loosened restrictions.

The DOH said at least 2,000 daily average cases are projected by the end of December if the minimum public health standards are not implemented and followed.

Meanwhile, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) also released a public service announcement of safety reminders during Christmas and New Year.

Here are the guidelines they released for a safe and peaceful celebration:

• Buy Christmas lights with "Import Commodity Clearance" (ICC) stickers.
• Before using, look for exposed wires which can lead to a fire incident.
• Unplug appliances after use or when leaving the house.
• Be mindful when cooking, do not leave open gasses or stoves.
• Always remember fire safety inside the household. Look for the nearest Bureau and Fire Protection (BFP) station in the area or call the emergency hotline 911 for fire and accidents.
• Use firecrackers in designated fireworks display areas.