Manila police spokesman Giovanni Valera said: "We are wearing this to show the people that during this Christmas season our hearts and minds are on serving the Filipino people."

Metropolitan Manila police chief Geary Barias said 1,000 officers and 700 police recruits have traded their blue caps for Santa hats to patrols the crime-ridden streets.

Residents generally praised the idea. "This serves as a reminder that Christmas is coming and we should have peace," said Dennis Perez, one of the locals.

"The Santa hat is OK, but of course they should focus on their duties," said Jenny de Jesus, a parishioner in Quiapo district's Roman Catholic church.

Can pregnant women still pee in them?

Christmas spirit ran through the demo.

The original was here.