Manila, Dec. 11 -- More than 14,000 cops from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) have been deployed to strategic areas to secure Metro Manila during the holiday season.

NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin said Thursday that police officers and allied security personnel have been deployed to churches, malls, public markets, major thoroughfares, and transportation hubs, while all police units in the region are on heightened alert.

"We are already on heightened alert, and we will be deploying our personnel in churches, transport hubs, and other areas where people usually converge, especially during this time of the year," Aberin told reporters in a phone interview.

As to the deployment of police officers to the Light Rail ...