All police station heads have started mapping out security and safety measures for the traditional dawn masses (Simbang Gabi) that will begin December 15 with the anticipated mass.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said more cops must be deployed for novena masses leading to the Christmas Eve mass to make sure health and safety protocols will be enforced.
Cops are also deployed in the vicinity of malls which have longer hours of operation during the Holiday season, night markets, food parks, and public utility vehicle terminals and ports.
Churches will accommodate 70 percent of usual capacity provided that physical distancing and wearing of masks are followed.
The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) recommended that Simbang Gabi may start as early as 6 p.m. for the anticipated mass and the morning mass at 6 a.m.
“The Bishop of the place, in consultation with the pastors of the parishes and in coordination with the LGU (local government unit), could schedule more Simbang Gabi masses in different venues which can be large enough to accommodate more people and still observe social distancing,” the CBCP said in a recent statement.
The PNP chief said cops on foot and mobile patrol will be more visible.
“The public should not be alarmed when they see police mobile units with flashing blinkers to announce their presence. It only means that your PNP is just around and ready to extend assistance when needed,” Carlos said in a statement on Tuesday.
“These will be crucial days that will challenge the resolve of the Church, police, local governments, and health authorities in implementing minimum public health standards under Alert Level 2, without breaking tradition and spoiling the festive mood of the season,” he added.
Local police units will also be on the lookout for criminal elements engaged in common crimes such as mugging, swindling, gang wars, robbery and theft, and burglary of unattended residences.
Maj. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr., chief of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), previously said officers will again use rattan sticks (yantok) to ensure that safe physical distancing is observed in churches.
“It can also be used as a disciplinary tool for aggressive behavior but it is the last option,” Danao said.
NCRPO personnel will report for duty in areas near their houses as part of the “work near home” policy and to give them the opportunity to spend more time with their families.
“They have to report still to the precincts. We have a contingency plan or security plan so there will be policemen everywhere, and not just in churches and malls, but tourist spots as well, to ensure the safety and security of our kababayan (countrymen),” Danao said.
The Manila, Quezon City Northern, Southern, and Eastern police districts are under the NCRPO.
Danao said community fireworks would be allowed during the New Year’s Eve celebration in designated areas based on the approval of LGUs.
Source: Philippines News Agency
