The Philippine National Police (PNP) has issued a crucial public safety advisory as the holiday season reaches its peak. Acting PNP chief, Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., explicitly called on Filipinos to refrain from sharing their vacation itineraries and travel plans on social media platforms. This precaution, he stressed, is vital to avoid alerting criminal elements to empty homes.
A Direct Appeal for Public Cooperation
In an official statement released on Monday, December 29, 2025, Nartatez emphasized that broadcasting travel plans online can be dangerously exploited. "We should not give criminal elements the opportunity to strike," he stated. "Posting of vacation plans could be taken advantage of and could serve as an opportunity for them." The appeal highlights a modern-day security concern where oversharing on digital platforms can have real-world consequences.
While assuring that the police force is exhausting all measures to ensure public safety, Nartatez underscored the need for community partnership. He pointed out that the institution requires the people's active cooperation to maximize the effectiveness of its peace and order strategies. This includes collaboration with local government units, with a specific focus on barangay-level initiatives to shield communities from crimes that could otherwise be prevented.
Heightened Police Presence for the Holidays
To safeguard the extended holiday period, the PNP has committed to maintaining a state of heightened alertness across the country. Police personnel are conducting intensified anti-crime operations to ensure a peaceful and safe environment for all. This security push is backed by a significant increase in deployed personnel.
The PNP has mobilized over 100,000 officers nationwide for this holiday season, a substantial surge from the 60,000 personnel deployed during the previous year's festivities. This massive deployment is designed to cover key areas, including major transportation hubs like the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), which saw a surge of passengers bound for Bicol and the Visayas as early as December 22.
Extended Holiday Break and Security Implications
The call for vigilance comes during an extended holiday break for government workers. Malacañang has suspended work in all government offices on December 29 and January 2, 2026. These dates bookend the regular non-working holidays of December 30 (Rizal Day), December 31 (New Year's Eve), and January 1, 2026 (New Year's Day).
This extended period, while a welcome respite for many, also means homes may be left unattended for longer durations. The PNP's advisory serves as a timely reminder for citizens to be proactive about their security. By keeping travel excitement offline and ensuring proper home security measures, the public can work hand-in-hand with the bolstered police force to deter criminal activity and truly enjoy a merry and secure holiday season.
