PNP cancels Christmas parties

October 22, 2020

The Philippine National Police (PNP) ordered Christmas parties in all their units and offices cancelled due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) threat, its spokesman said Thursday.

Col. Ysmael Yu said PNP chief General Camilo Cascolan urged all officers and rank-and-file personnel to make a little sacrifice to show their sincere responsiveness and sensitivity to fellow Filipinos who continue to suffer due to the pandemic crisis.

“The Philippine National Police will skip all forms of lavish and overgenerous Christmas parties in all units and offices, including social clubs and sectoral organizations among PNP personnel,” Yu said.

Yu said the PNP assured all  218,000 personnel of their mandated bonuses, supplemental allowances and other benefits on top of regular pay to allow every PNP family  to provide for their own holiday needs, and possibly have some more to spare for the less fortunate.

“Other than the traditional extravagant and bountiful feasts, there are more meaningful ways to count the blessings of the Holiday Season-- with God, family and country always above self,” he said.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Wednesday also ordered the suspension of their Christmas parties this year.

According to IATF guidelines, mass gatherings are strictly prohibited now that the country is facing threat from the COVID-19 pandemic. Ella Dionisio/DMS