GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO) did not authorize Christmas parties in any police station in the city, citing existing Philippine National Police (PNP) guidelines that prohibit such celebrations at police precincts, City Police Director Police Colonel Nicomedes Olaivar Jr. clarified.
Olaivar said police stations were only allowed to hold simple fellowship dinners, attended briefly by personnel and their families, aimed at strengthening camaraderie and family ties among police officers. He stressed that these gatherings were limited in time and scope and did not qualify as Christmas parties.
The police chief also categorically banned the serving or consumption of alcoholic beverages during the fellowship dinners, underscoring the importance of discipline and professionalism within the police force.
He added that even the Gensan City Police Office did not conduct a Christmas party, opting instead for a modest gathering in compliance with PNP directives.
Following the completion of the fellowship dinners, Olaivar said police personnel have fully refocused on their primary duty of ensuring public safety and security, especially amid the numerous events being organized by the local government unit during the holiday season.
Olaivar further reminded all Gensan police officers to value their work and families, avoid any involvement in illegal activities, and strictly adhere to PNP guidelines to prevent putting their careers at risk.
“Our reminder to all personnel is simple: protect your profession, follow the rules, and continue serving the public with integrity,” he said.