POLICE presence has been enhanced in time for the start of the Simbang Gabi, including in Metro Manila where some 10,000 policemen will be tapped to secure people participating in the Filipino Christmas tradition.
“Our priority is to provide a safe and peaceful environment for all devotees participating in this sacred tradition,” PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said yesterday.
“We have increased police presence in churches and surrounding areas to ensure public safety throughout the Simbang Gabi period,” he said.
Simbang Gabi is the traditional nine-day series of evening/dawn Masses attended by Filipino Catholics in anticipation of Christmas.
Anticipated evening Simbang Gabi Masses run from December 15 to 23, while the dawn Simbang Gabi Masses will be from December 16 to 24.
Marbil did not say how many policemen will be dedicated to secure Simbang Gabi, though the PNP said last week that over 42,000 lawmen will be deployed at churches, transport terminals, tourist spots and other places of convergence to ensure peace and order during the entire Christmas season.
Marbil ordered all police units to implement comprehensive security measures to secure churches for the Simbang Gabi, in coordination with local government units, church officials and other stakeholders.
The PNP Public Information Office (PIO) said police assistance desks will be established near churches to assist the public, while foot and mobile patrols will be intensified in transport terminals, markets and other strategic areas.
“The PNP has also heightened monitoring of crime-prone areas to prevent potential threats,” the PIO said in a statement.
It advised devotees to “remain vigilant, secure their personal belongings, and report any suspicious activities to authorities.”
“The PNP encourages attendees to arrive early at church venues to avoid overcrowding and comply with security protocols,” the PIO also said.
“The PNP remains committed to providing a safe environment for all Filipinos during the holiday season. For emergencies, the public is urged to call the PNP Hotline or reach out to the nearest police station,” it added.
METRO MANILA
Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin, director of the National Capital Region Police Office, said the NCRPO will deploy over 10,000 policemen to secure churches for the Simbang Gabi and other areas.
“We are very ready for Simbang Gabi and we will be deploying more than 10,000 personnel. They will be deployed at churches and places of convergence, like (bus) terminals, airports, seaports, and many other areas,” Aberin told a radio interview.
Aberin said policemen will be on alert for possible cases of snatching and “salisi” (theft through distraction), which he said are expected to increase during the season.
He stressed the importance of police presence in places of convergence, saying “would-be criminals will not move (to commit a crime) if they see uniformed personnel.”
He said plainclothes policemen will also be deployed in these areas.
HOMILIES
Ahead of the start of the traditional Simbang Gabi, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP)
president Cardinal Pablo David called on all priests to prepare well their homilies.
In an interview over the weekend, David said the Simbang Gabi Masses are the perfect opportunity for priests to share the Word of God to the people.
“This is the time when people really listen to the Church. They are captive audiences. They like to hear the Word of God,” said the Kalookan bishop, adding that priests should consider sharing truthful teachings of God, and not their personal opinions.
“When priests speak, they shouldn’t share just their points of view or opinions but the real Word of God, which is what the people want to hear,” he said.
At the Manila Cathedral, anticipated Simbang Gabi Masses are scheduled from December 15 to 23 at 8 p.m., while the dawn Simbang Gabi Masses are set from December 16 to 24 at 4:30 a.m.
On December 16 at 4:30 a.m., the Eucharistic Celebration will be presided by Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula.
On Christmas Eve or on December 24, there will be a concert by the Manila Cathedral Choir at 6:30 p.m., which will be followed by the Christmas Eve Mass also to be presided by Advincula at 8 p.m.
On Christmas Day, the Masses at the Manila Cathedral will be at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 4 p.m., and 6 p.m. – With Gerard Naval
