The Philippine National Police (PNP) has activated a nationwide alert status in anticipation of the massive holiday travel surge, mobilizing a force of more than 100,000 officers to ensure public safety.
Massive Police Mobilization for Holiday Exodus
Acting PNP chief, Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., issued the order on Sunday, December 21, 2025. He directed all local police units to implement enhanced security protocols and boost police visibility at ports, bus terminals, and other major transport hubs across the country. This move comes as millions of Filipinos begin their annual journey back to their home provinces for Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The deployment figure of over 100,000 personnel marks a significant increase from the 60,000 officers fielded during the same period last year. These personnel will be strategically stationed not only at transportation centers but also along major thoroughfares, in business districts, and within residential communities to maintain peace and order.
Strategic Deployment at Crowded Hubs
Nartatez emphasized that local commanders have been instructed to carefully plan and adjust their manpower deployment based on real-time conditions. "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," he stated.
The need for such measures was already evident by Saturday, December 20, where scenes of crowded terminals, like the bus station in Cubao, Quezon City, signaled the start of the holiday exodus. Similar congested scenarios are predicted to persist right up until Christmas Day. Nartatez acknowledged this, saying, "As expected, there have been a noticeable increase on the number of people in the terminals and the roads leading to transportation hubs, and we have been directing our personnel and resources in these areas to ensure public safety."
Public Cooperation is Key
The PNP leadership is also calling for cooperation from the traveling public. Nartatez urged citizens to adhere to travel regulations, work together with authorities on the ground, and immediately report any security issues or unusual activities to the nearest police officer or station.
Police personnel will be on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the holiday season to safeguard travelers and ensure the secure movement of people nationwide. The PNP assures that while core security plans are firmly in place, they remain flexible and can be adjusted as the situation on the ground evolves.
