PNP: No threats detected ahead of 'Simbang Gabi'

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has not detected any threats against Simbang Gabi or other dawn masses so far, but security measures remain heightened, an official said on Monday.

At a press conference, Police Colonel Julius Caesar Domingo, chief of the PNP directorate for operations public safety division, said the PNP sees no need to place the police organization under full alert.

“As of this time, we haven’t seen any threats, whether from terrorist groups or criminal gangs. The situation is very mild,” Domingo said.

He added that only individuals involved in petty crimes, such as theft, might pose isolated risks.

Simbang Gabi, also known as Misa de Gallo, is celebrated in the country from December 16 to 24.

Domingo reminded teenagers to avoid causing trouble during the dawn masses, emphasizing that the event is meant for prayer, not disorderly conduct.

“Sa ating mga kabataan, dapat iwasan yung makipaggulo. Alam naman natin na ang purpose nila is magsimba, not to commit na manggulo,” Domingo said.

(For our youth, avoid causing trouble. We know the purpose of attending Simbang Gabi is to pray, not to create disturbances.)

He also urged parents to supervise their children and reminded both parents and youth that criminal liability still applies.

“So dapat talaga, as much as possible, yung mga parents, bantayan po nila yung ating kabataan. At ang mga kabataan natin, reminder lang sa kanila, hindi na rin po tayo exempted sa criminal liability.

(So parents should watch over our youth. And for our youth, just a reminder to them, they are no longer exempt from criminal liability.)

He added that mostly teens who misbehave are between 15 and 18 years old. 

The PNP said it will deploy over 100,000 personnel nationwide to secure Simbang Gabi celebrations.—MCG, GMA Integrated News