PNP: First Simbang Gabi peaceful, orderly

Police on Wednesday deemed the first Simbang Gabi in this time of COVID-19 pandemic as generally peaceful and orderly.

Philippine National Police chief Police General Debold Sinas said no untoward incident was monitored in relation to the observance of Simbang Gabi.

"Everything went well on Day 1, we expect it to be better on Day 2, and perhaps even perfectly best in the rest of the nine days until Christmas and through the New Year,” Sinas said in a press statement.

According to Sinas, church officials and law enforcers effectively enforced local ordinances and church policies such as social distancing as well as the 30% maximum capacity inside churches.

Social distancing patrollers have been deployed to remind churchgoers of the minimum public health standards, including the wearing of face masks and face shields.

Sinas said all police unit commanders were tasked to maintain vigilance throughout the holiday season. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News