Being one of the predominantly Christian nations in the world, the Philippines regularly observes the Christmas celebration in commemoration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, traditionally celebrated in December of every year. This yearly celebration is extended up to the new year’s eve, and even until the first five days of January the following year. As the country’s primary law enforcement agency, the Philippine National Police, likewise, joins the entire nation in celebrating the yuletide season through the Paskuhan sa Kampo Crame, bringing the message of Christmas across to everyone especially, to its personnel and their immediate families.
This year’s Paskuhan sa Kampo Crame had kicked off early with the Ceremonial Lighting of Lanterns and Christmas Tree on November 14, 2024. This was personally led by Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, PNP Chief, along with his wife Mrs. Mary Rose Marbil, together with Police Major General Augustus Alba, TDPCR; and Police Major General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., TDCA. The event officially signaled the onset of the holiday season within the camp.
Likewise, the traditional Christmas Lantern Contest was also featured, which had its Final Judging on December 11, followed with the Online Christmas Carol Contest on December 13, both of which were participated in by the different National Support Units, together with the PNP Directorates. The Online Raffle Draw also added to the thrill and excitement of the occasion, as PNP personnel had anticipated to hear their respective names for the raffle prizes.
Relatively, as the entire organization braces for the holiday season, PNP heeds to the call of His Excellency, President Ferdinand “Bong Bong” R. Marcos, Jr., requesting government offices to avoid lavish Christmas Celebrations in solidarity with thousands of Filipinos who have suffered and are still suffering from the destructive aftereffects of at least six typhoons which had hit the country in a span of two months. Taking into consideration the PNP’s long-standing tradition of celebrating the season, the PNP leadership, in collaboration with the PNP Officers’ Ladies Club Foundation, Inc. (PNP OLCFI) held the Bayanihan sa Hapagkainan dubbed “Stars-with-a-Cause” on December 13, paving the way for the PNP’s initiative of hope and generosity, and keeping the bayanihan spirit alive, especially during the holiday season. The initiative’s proceeds will help support the mission of PNP OLCFI in creating positive changes to the lives of beneficiaries.
The month-long celebration would not be complete without the yearly Christmas Fellowship spearheaded by the PNP Top Cop himself on December 17 at the NHQ Lobby, Camp BGen Rafael T Crame in Quezon City. Also, PGen Marbil led in a surprise one-of-a-kind gift-giving to pregnant PNP personnel who were called in front of NHQ to receive cash prizes, the same extended to all PNP Units and Offices. The other highlight had also included the food stalls which are open for all PNP personnel and their dependents; parlor games; presentation numbers of select PNP personnel; followed by the performances of the South Border, Donita “Nose” and Super Tekla. The winners for the Christmas Lantern Contest and the Online Christmas Carol were also announced. For the Christmas Lantern Contest, the PNP Forensic Group won the first place, followed by the PNP Recruitment and Selection Service and the PNP Training Service, as 2nd and 3rd, respectively. While for the Online Christmas Carol Contest, the Directorate for Comptrollership bagged the first place, followed by EOD/K9 (2nd) and the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management (3rd). In the afternoon, the different PNP units also had their inter-office Christmas Fellowships back to their respective units and offices.
Meanwhile, the PNP Chaplain Service also had spearheaded the yearly Misa de Gallo (Dawn Masses) beginning December 16, this to end on December 24, where police officers, together with their families, including the PNP Command Group, had started to attend and celebrate the traditional masses. The Camp had even opened its gates to the general public or to whoever is interested in celebrating the said mass.
While the National Headquarters had transformed its grounds and premises into a festive and vibrant atmosphere, the Nation’s Peacekeeper continues to implement its intensified security measures to ensure public safety and in preventing criminal activities during the holiday season. “Christmas is a season of joy and giving, but it is also a period when criminal elements may exploit public vulnerability and take advantage of the festivities. PNP is committed to making this season safe and secure for all Filipinos,” PGen Marbil had emphasized.
“The presence of uniformed personnel in public areas is a reassurance of our dedication to protecting the public. We aim to provide peace of mind during the holiday rush,” CPNP had added.
