TO ensure a safe and secure holiday season, at least 6,000 policemen will be deployed in areas that are expected to draw huge crowds beginning Thursday, December 1.

Philippine National Police spokesman Col. Jean Fernando said increased police presence will be felt way before the Christmas rush, especially in commercial centers, malls, transport terminals, churches and night markets.

Police assistance desks will also be set up in transport hubs and major thoroughfares.

Leaves of police personnel will be canceled by the middle of December to ensure the availability of policemen during the holidays.

“December 15 hindi na pwede mag-leave [ang mga pulis] to make sure na mayroon tayong sapat na kapulisan na magbabantay sa ating areas of convergence (Beginning December 15, police personnel will no longer be allowed to go on leave to make sure that there is enough policemen to man these areas of convergence),” Fajardo added.

Fajardo reminded the public to watch out for the proliferation of counterfeit money which usually circulates during the holiday season.

She encouraged the public to turn over the counterfeit money TO BANKS OR fiLE COMPLAINTS AGAINST persons or establishments that would disburse fake peso bills.