Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) asked private security personnel (PSP) for cooperation in ensuring a peaceful holiday season. 'All private security personnel, as recognized force multipliers of the PNP, are reminded of their responsibilities to assist in maintaining peace and order within their respective area of responsibility,' Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (SOSIA) chief Brig. Gen. Marlou Roy Alzate said in a memorandum made public Monday. According to Philippines News Agency, the SOSIA is the PNP office in charge of licensing private security agencies. Filipinos troop to mass transportation hubs for the annual exodus to their hometowns and in shopping malls during the Christmas holidays. The SOSIA also called for vigilance against criminal groups that would take advantage of the big crowd to carry out their illegal activities. PSPs are reminded to respect human rights, be polite, and remain disciplined while performing their duties. Earlier, PNP Civil Security Gr oup (CSG) chief Maj. Gen. Leo Francisco said security agencies and establishments must do away with the practice of making security guards wear Christmas costumes that deviate from their prescribed uniform. Francisco said this will deter criminals from disguising using Christmas costumes to commit crimes. The CSG is the regulatory unit of the PNP that exercises administrative and operational control over private security industries through the SOSIA. Police forces are already on security alert status to ensure the availability of personnel in securing terminals, malls, public markets, churches, parks, and major streets.