MANILA — Days before the Christmas celebration, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has urged local chief executives, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to ensure the peaceful and safe observance of the holiday season.

In a statement issued Monday, the DILG said the directive supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s priority of strengthening public safety and maintaining order, particularly as millions of Filipinos travel to their home provinces to reunite with their families during the holidays.

Under a memorandum circular, the DILG directed local chief executives to convene their Local Peace and Order Councils to craft action plans addressing security, traffic management, and crowd control. Local governments were also urged to deploy law and traffic enforcers, barangay tanods, and other force multipliers, while ensuring cleanliness and order in public places in line with Republic Act No. 9003.

The DILG further reminded local government units to strictly regulate firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices and encouraged the passage of ordinances banning or limiting personal use in favor of permitted community fireworks displays.

For its part, the BFP was directed to coordinate with and assist LGUs and the PNP by ensuring that designated firecracker exhibition zones comply with Republic Act No. 9514, or the Fire Code of the Philippines, and its implementing rules and regulations.

Meanwhile, the DILG ordered the PNP to activate its holiday security plan, increase 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, adding that the initiative reflects President Marcos’ broader vision of a secure and peaceful Philippines.