FILE PHOTO: Police officers march at the Philippine National Police (PNP) grounds in Camp Crame, Quezon City. 鈥� PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil orders all police units to make public safety a top priority as the nation prepares to celebrate New Year 2025. INQUIRER / NI脩O JESUS ORBETA
MANILA, Philippines 鈥� Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil directed all police units to make public safety a top priority as the nation prepares to celebrate New Year 2025.
Marbil reiterated the PNP鈥檚 readiness to provide security to the public as well as assist and respond to situations, including fire and firecracker-related incidents.
鈥淥ur officers are trained and equipped to handle emergencies, from providing immediate first aid to assisting in fire response operations. We are ready to serve the public in every way possible,鈥� he said in a statement Sunday.
Marbil nevertheless appealed to the public to avoid using illegal fireworks to prevent fires, injuries, and deaths.
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鈥淔ires, injuries, and fatalities can be avoided through vigilance and responsible behavior. We urge everyone to observe government-designated fireworks zones and community display areas and refrain from using banned or unsafe pyrotechnics,鈥� he said.
The PNP chief noted that police units were mobilized 鈥渢o maintain peace and order during New Year celebrations and ensure the safety of travelers heading home.鈥�
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He said he instructed them to coordinate with government agencies and local traffic management offices as it is 鈥渒ey to managing the movement of people and vehicles effectively during this busy season.鈥�
On Saturday, National Capital Region Police Office Acting Regional Director Gen. Anthony Aberin said more than 10,000 police officers will be deployed to places of convergence, such as terminals, malls, and churches, this week to secure public New Year activities.