11,000 cops deployed for Christmas – NCRPO

MANILA, Philippines — More than 11,000 police officers have been deployed in Metro Manila as early as Dec. 1 to ensure a safe and orderly Christmas celebration, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said yesterday.

Lt. Col. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., NCRPO chief, said police visibility was increased in malls, churches, markets, terminals and other places of convergence.

The NCRPO will also enforce maximum police visibility in churches from Dec. 16 to 24 to secure people attending the nine-day misa de gallo or simbang gabi.

Police assistance desks will also be placed near church entrances.

“The NCRPO remains committed... to ensure peaceful and orderly celebrations of ‘Ligtas Paskuhan 2023’ in Metro Manila,” Nartatez said.