Police arrive at the Quezon City Memorial Circle on December 31, 2024, ahead of the New Year's countdown in Quezon City. Paige Javier, ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- The local government of Quezon City has deployed 2,500 personnel in the Quezon Memorial Circle to ensure peace and order during the New Year countdown. 

QC Department of Public Order and Safety Security, Investigation and Intelligence Division officer-in-charge Ret. Col. Remigio Gregorio said they heightened security in the QMC for the festivities. 

The deployed personnel include the QC DPOS, QC Police District, Bureau of Fire Protection, Traffic and Management Department and the Quezon Memorial Circle Administration. 

"Sa ngayon po meron kaming deployment na aabot sa 2,500. Ito po ay magtutulong-tulong para ma-maintain yung security and order ng event na ito" Gregorio told ABS-CBN News. 

"Inincrease po namin level ng security sa Quezon Memorial Circle ngayon. Lahat po ng sasakyan ay dumaraan sa security inspection. Nagkaroon po ng instruction na i-roll down ang window para may visual inspection" he added. 

Entrance for pedestrians and vehicles will be through the East Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue gates. 

Pedestrians can also enter through the Philippine Coconut Authority and City Hall underpass entrances. 

Motorists may park their vehicles at the City Hall or inside QMC. 

Entrance to the QC LGU's Countdown to 2025 is free and it will feature a concert, fireworks display and special drone show.  

Performers include Ely Buendia, Ben&Ben, Gloc-9, Kamikazee, Shamrock, among others. 

READ: PH set for cloudy, rainy New Year's Eve

READ: Fabella Hospital ready to welcome New Year babies

PROHIBITED ITEMS 

Authorities reminded the public to refrain from bringing in prohibited items like deadly weapons, bladed weapons, explosives, firecrackers, highly combustible items (gas, diesel, kerosene) and illegal drugs. 

"Kung ang dala nila ay for example highly combustible item, pwede naman ideposit sa security post natin sa mga entrances at balikan nila" Gregorio said. 

"Pero yung mga contraband po, yung mga illegal, like for example weapons kung di sila authorized… kukumpiskahin po yun at ituturnover sila sa QCPD" he added. 

Attendees are likewise encouraged to bring transparent or clear bags for easier inspection. 

"Para nakikita kaagad ng mga police at ng law and order cluster kung ano kaagad yung laman. Para hindi na po magduda ang mga police" he added. 

NO PLASTIC PLEASEA fireworks display lasting 10 minutes lights up the sky during the New Year’s eve celebration at the Quezon Memorial Circle. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/File

In line with the QC LGU's ordinance banning single-use plastic, attendees are encouraged to bring their own tumblers or water containers. 

"Hindi rin po inaallow ang plastic, lalo na ang mga plastic bottle. Kasi dito po sa Quezon City ay may ordinansa tayo. At yung ordinansa na yun na pinagbabawal ang single-use plastic ay mahigpit pong pinapatupad dito sa Quezon Memorial Circle" Gregorio said. 

"Ito po ay plastic-free event po. So, pinagbabawal po natin lahat ng single-use plastics na ipasok dito sa Quezon Memorial Circle" QMC Administrator Windsor Bueno said. 

Water refilling/drinking stations can be found around the park, which can be used by attendees for free. 

Authorities expect over 35,000 attendees at New Year's Eve festivities. 

READ: PCG reminds travelers to avoid bringing bulky items on New Year's Eve trip

They hope the event will encourage Filipinos to watch the fireworks display from a safe distance. 

"Maganda rin po yung ating fireworks display… para ang mga mamamayan ng Quezon City ay huwag nang magpaputok ng mga firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices. Manood nalang sila dito" Gregorio said. 

Authorities remind parents and guardians bringing children to make sure they are with them at all times. 

"Meron naman po tayong reminder na ang mga bata na kanilang tutukan at huwag mahiwalay sila… Ang aming command post ay meron na pong pasabi na kung sakaling may mawawalang bata meron tayong mga policewomen na maghahandle doon para mareunite sila at the earliest possible time" he added. 

Medical teams are on standby in case there are individuals who need first aid or assistance.