PNP still on alert after 'peaceful, orderly' Simbang Gabi

The conduct of the nine-day Simbang Gabi or Dawn Masses have been peaceful and orderly throughout the country, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Wednesday as it assured that the police force remains on alert for the Christmas and New Year holidays.

In a statement, PNP acting chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said there were no significant incidents that threatened public safety or disrupted the religious activity.

“I commend all our station and unit commanders on the ground for strategic implementation of security measures and real-time security adjustments in their respective assigned areas and territories during the span of Simbang Gabi,” Nartatez said.

The Simbang Gabi, also known as Misa de Gallo, is a series of devotional Dawn Masses from December 16 to 24.

Nartatez said the presence of police personnel on the ground is “a comforting assurance to our kababayan that they will be safe as they intend to fulfill their commitment to complete the Masses, be with their family and friends for this important and traditional religious activity.”

This was despite the reported riots involving some youths who attended the Simbang Gabi at the Quiapo Church in Manila. 

Earlier, Nartatez directed all police commanders to sustain heightened police visibility throughout the Christmas season, as he noted recurring incidents of firecracker-related injuries during the New Year revelry.

Police units were also instructed to strengthen operations against illegal firearms as Nartatez urged the public to immediately report cases of indiscriminate firing in their areas.

More than 100,000 police personnel were deployed nationwide for the PNP’s Ligtas Paskuhan initiative.

The top cop also stressed the importance of close coordination with local government units (LGUs), particularly barangay officials, to secure subdivisions and residential areas during the holidays.

“Our goal is to ensure a peaceful and meaningful celebration of Christmas and New Year for everybody. We are not lowering our guard for any threat, and so far, we are on the right track in fulfilling that goal,” Nartatez added. — JMA, GMA Integrated News