The Philippine National Police (PNP) is mobilizing a massive force to secure the country's transportation hubs as millions of Filipinos begin their annual exodus to their home provinces for the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Massive Police Deployment for Holiday Season
Acting PNP Chief, Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr., has directed all local police units to strengthen security and significantly increase police presence in ports, terminals, and other key transportation centers across the nation. This order comes in response to the surge in passenger volume, exemplified by the crowded scenes at the Pier 1 Passenger Terminal in Cebu City on the morning of Sunday, December 21, 2025.
In a statement, Nartatez emphasized the need for careful planning and strategic adjustment of personnel deployment in major terminals. The goal is to ensure both the safety and the smooth movement of passengers during the expected influx of travelers. More than 100,000 police officers will be deployed nationwide for the holiday season—a substantial increase from the 60,000 deployed the previous year.
Strategic Adjustments and Presidential Directive
"I have directed our local police units to strategize the deployment of personnel in ports and terminals to increase police presence in these public areas," Nartatez stated. He explained that security measures are continuously being fine-tuned based on real-time ground situations. The noticeable increase in people at terminals and on access roads has prompted the focused direction of personnel and resources to these areas.
This large-scale security operation is being carried out under the directive of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos, Jr., through the guidance of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla. The police force will be tasked with safeguarding not just transport terminals and major highways, but also business and residential areas throughout the festive period.
A Call for Public Cooperation
General Nartatez also reminded the traveling public to do their part in maintaining peace and order. He called for strict adherence to rules and regulations and encouraged active cooperation with authorities to prevent any untoward incidents.
"Our police personnel will be on the ground 24/7 not only to ensure their safe travel but also to secure business and residential areas during the entire Christmas season," Nartatez said. He added, "And we ask our kababayan to do their share in this effort by taking safety measures for themselves and immediately inform your Philippine National Police of any peace and order-related concerns."
The PNP's enhanced security blueprint aims to cover all critical points where large crowds are expected to gather, ensuring a safer and more secure holiday travel experience for millions of Filipinos.
