Security plans for ‘Simbang Gabi’ ordered implemented in Caraga
CAMP COL. RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City – The regional command of Northeastern Mindanao Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) on Wednesday ordered all regional, provincial and city mobile force commanders, city and provincial directors as well as municipal chiefs of police to ready and implement their security plans for the traditional nine-day “Simbang Gabi” (Dawn Mass) that starts this Sunday, December 16.
The regional command of PRO 13 also ordered field commanders to utilize local force multipliers, including, barangay intelligence net, tanods and civilian volunteers’ organization to help secure their respective communities.
“Safety and security of the churchgoers for the nine-day dawn masses must be given priority in your daily routine,” said PRO 13 Regional Director Chief Supt. Gilberto DC Cruz, in his directive to field unit commanders.
Personnel of all police stations spread in the region must conduct mobile and bike patrol outside church premises and even in the villages areas to keep thieves at bay, he said.
The region’s top cop also ordered field commanders to utilize all their respective forces to also secure vacationers and tourists during the observance of the Yuletide Season.
Cruz also ordered that all Christimas festivities, activities and venues be
secured on a 24/7 basis, while also mobilizing the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams and K-9 teams to secure all Christmas activities in this region’s premier and capital city of Butuan and all urban areas in Northeastern Mindanao or Caraga region.
“We would like to assure Caraganons that we will not lower down our guard in this Yuletide Season and we will continue to make Caraga region as most peaceful region in the country today,” added the region’s police chief.