Days before the Christmas celebration, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday urged local chief executives (LCEs), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BPF) to ensure the peaceful and safe observance of the holiday season.
The directive supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s priority of strengthening public safety and maintaining order, especially as millions of Filipinos travel to their home provinces to reunite with their families during the holidays.
In a memorandum circular, the DILG said LCEs must convene their Local Peace and Order Councils (LPOCs) to craft action plans addressing security, traffic management, and crowd control. They are also urged to deploy law and traffic enforcers, barangay tanods, and other force multipliers, while ensuring cleanliness and order in public places in accordance with Republic Act (RA) No. 9003.
The DILG likewise reminded LGUs to strictly regulate firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices, encouraging ordinances that ban or limit personal use in favor of permitted community fireworks displays. On the other hand, the BFP is expected to coordinate and assist LGUs and the PNP by ensuring that designated firecracker exhibition zones comply with the provisions of RA No. 9514 or the Fire Code of the Philippines and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.
Meanwhile, the DILG directed the PNP to activate its holiday security plan, boost police visibility in high-traffic areas such as malls, churches, and transport terminals, and conduct inspections and confiscations of illegal firecrackers.
“The holidays should be a time of joy and togetherness, and it is our duty to ensure that Filipinos can celebrate safely,” the DILG said, noting that the initiative reflects President Marcos’ broader vision of a secure and peaceful Philippines.
