It’s that time of the year when the market begins to be flooded with unsafe and dangerous substandard items for the Yuletide season.

Anticipating a deluge of illegal importations from mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong starting this month, Acting Deputy Commissioner Filomeno Vicencio Jr. placed Customs officials on full alert to thwart attempts to slip into the country below standard Christmas decorations and food items.

Vicencio cited public safety as the foremost concern of the intensified operation versus illegal importations for the Christmas season, noting that such below-quality items have been blamed on fire accidents in December.

The usual culprit for the fire accidents are defective Christmas lights sold by hawkers and even in legitimate stores.

“We have anticipated the importation of frozen foods, decorations, Peking duck, and plastic toys from September to December because of the high demand in the local market for these goods,” he said in an interview.

Vicencio said he has tasked the customs intelligence personnel to be on lookout for the illegal importations as a prelude to a more stringent drive against the proliferation of unsafe items for the upcoming Yuletide season.

During “ber” months that start September, the volume of imports is expected to perk up because importers and businessmen prepare for bigger shipments in time for the upcoming Christmas season. The bulk of cargoes are scheduled to arrive starting this month.

Vicencio, also the concurrent director of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), said he ordered his men to be vigilant on the paper requirements of shipments, specifically those that require clearances or permits from other regulating government agencies and foreign suppliers as required by the law.

Manufacturers and importers whose products pass the safety and quality requirements of a specific standard are issued with a PS License for locally-made products and the ICC Certification for imported products. They should also adhere to Philippine Safety Standards imposed by the Bureau of Product Standards.

Airsoft guns and firecrackers, on the other hand, should have import permits from the Philippine National Police-Firearms and Explosive Division (PNP-FED) prior to shipment since they are regulated importations.

“We will continue our vigilance against smuggling in the coming months also to ensure that all duties and taxes are being paid for the increased volume of imports that arrive at the ports for the holidays,” he added.

He pointed out that tightening its watch on these shipments will derail attempts of unscrupulous traders to sneak in illegal goods.

But most of all, the heightened drive will ensure public safety during the holidays.

"Most fire accidents during the Yuletide season are either caused by firecrackers or by defective Christmas lights. It is better to be extra vigilant this season to prevent fire accidents," he stressed.

Meanwhile, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) deployed 1,000 additional personnel to crime prone areas with the start of the “ber” months, which traditionally see a rise in criminal activities.

NCRPO Director Leocadio Santiago said that the 1,000 personnel will augment regular units already deployed in the five police districts in Metro Manila.

Santiago said that the deployment will focus on commercial centers, including malls and shopping complexes, and the university belt area in Manila.

“We expect criminals to be more active in the coming days as the holiday season draws nearer. That’s why we are already making proactive measures. I have already ordered my district commanders to be more alert against criminal syndicates,” Santiago said.

The NCRPO chief said that aside from uniformed policemen, plainclothes cops will be safeguard passengers of buses.

Santiago said the NCRPO will coordinate with bus operators for added security at terminals and along routes.

He also appealed public to cooperate with the police and be careful against mugger, snatchers and hold-uppers. (With a report from Jean Fernando)