CAMP GEN. SANTOS, Bulacan — It was a peaceful and “silent night” for this province on Christmas Eve as police authorities intensified its campaign against firecrackers and loose firearms. Senior Superintendent Noli G. Talino, Bulacan police officer-in-charge, said security coverage and other public safety measures is still being undertaken in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH), local government units (LGUs), and other concerned agencies to ensure the successful celebration not just of Christmas but the entire week leading up to a “genuinely happy New Year that is peaceful and orderly.” (Freddie C. Velez)

MAYOR CITED

MANGALDAN, Pangasinan — Residents paid homage to the Child Jesus at churches in this town yesterday and offered prayers for one of Mangaldan’s favorite sons. It was a sentimental Christmas Day as Yuletide revelers also spoke well of their mayor, Herminio Romero, and remembered his efforts to deliver the best services to the public. Councilor Joseph Emmanuel Cera described Romero as “one of the greatest mayors of all-time.” The mayor was delivering his Christmas message to residents of Barangay San Fabian on Sunday night when he suddenly collapsed and succumbed to a severe heart attack. The three-term mayor spent his final breath serving his constituents. (Liezle Basa Iñigo)

POSITIVE CHANGE

OLONGAPO CITY — The city government is changing the New Year’s tradition, hopefully, for the better as its banning of fireworks now reaches its fifth year. Mayor James Gordon Jr. said banning most fireworks and imposing hefty taxes ensures public safety and income. He said the biggest problem arising from the use of illegal fireworks is the number of gory accidents that leave residents here either severely injured or six-feet-under. “By taxing the use of fireworks or fireworks and ensuring them that those will be blown up by a professional, we can guarantee a safe and prosperous new year,” he said. (Jonas Reyes)

NEW SEASON

LUCENA CITY, Quezon — The Quezon Police Provincial Office (PPO) is all set for a security transition from the holiday season to the campaign season for the May 2013 mid-term national elections. Chief Inspector Elmar Sillador, Public Information Officer, said officials and members of the Quezon PPO have been in close coordination with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to ensure that they understand the policies and guidelines during the election season. The PPO said apart from police visibility and going after criminals, police will be monitoring campaign practices that may be in violation of the Ominibus Election Code in all 39 towns and two cities of Quezon province. (Danny Estacio)

SECURITY SEALS

RODRIGUEZ, Rizal — The sealing of the muzzle of the service firearms of policemen here prior to Christmas Eve resulted in a zero incidence of indiscriminate firing yesterday. Supt. Arthur Masungsong, chief of police here said there was no incident of indiscriminate firing during the Christmas revelry in this town. Prior to Christmas Eve, members and officials of the Rodriguez police submitted their firearms for inspection and sealing as part of the tradition of the Philippine National Police to ensure the safety of the people during the Christmas and New Year’s Eve merry-making. (Nel B. Andrade)