Isko Moreno wants limited devotees during Simbang Gabi amid COVID-19 pandemic

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno on Wednesday called on to Catholics to limit the number of devotees who will attend the traditional Simbang Gabi this year amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) threat.

“Maghanda ng mga pamamaraan na matuloy pa rin ang ating mga pamana katulad ng bilang pagiging Katoliko sa darating na Simbang Gabi,” Moreno said in Mariz Umali’s report on “24 Oras.”

“Ako rin naman nananawagan sa mga mamamayan. I want them also to be responsible enough to understand the gravity of the situation,” he added.

Meanwhile, Fr. Douglas Badong, parochial vicar of Quiapo Church agreed with Moreno, saying there is a need to balance the public’s faith and safety.

“Kung kinakailangang mag-adjust ng simbahan, sa mga misa, gagawin ng simbahan ‘yon pero sadyang hindi natin mapipigilan na hindi tayo magdiwang, ‘di natin mapipigilan ang mga tao o mismo ‘yong walang misa o Simbang Gabi,” Badong said.

Badong also said the church is prepared to implement additional precautionary measures to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

On the other hand, Baclaran Church said it also has a plan on how to conduct the dawn masses without violating health protocols and risking transmission of the virus.

“Ang unang plano is ganoon pa rin ‘yong 4 a.m. kung papayagan ng IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases) ang ating mga misa. Siyempre, ang plan B namin ay malamang ito ay pagkatapos ng curfew na 5 a.m. so most probably, 6 a.m.,” said Fr. Victorino Cueto, rector of Baclaran Church.

Meanwhile, the Archdiocese of Manila has issued a statement saying that it will coordinate with the IATF regarding the adjustment of curfew hours so Filipinos can attend the annual Simbang Gabi. -- Ma. Angelica Garcia/BAP, GMA News