City beefs up security as Misa de Gallo nears

The Cebu City government is coordinating with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies to strengthen security in the city in preparation for the Misa de Gallo this year.

Councilor Dave Tumulak, deputy mayor on peace and order, said security measures are in place for the traditional Christmas dawn masses that will begin on Saturday.

“Grabe gyud ang deployment sa atong mga kapulisan nga naas mga simbahan para sa pagpahugot sa siguridad sa syudad sa Sugbo,” Tumulak said. (We will deploy policemen to ensure safety and order in the city.)

Policemen will be deployed in all the churches and chapels in the city that will hold Misa de Gallo from December 16 to 24.

Tumulak is also calling on the barangay tanods to do their own patrolling during the Misa de Gallo and confiscate firecrackers.

He also reminded churchgoers to unplug gadgets and appliances, lock doors, and keep the house well-lit before leaving for the dawn masses.

He said churchgoers must refrain from bringing valuable items and carry umbrellas as rains are expected.

Meanwhile, Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO) head Nagiel Bañacia said they have been on “blue” alert since Wednesday for the holidays.

Aside from the police, response teams and ambulances, in coordination with parish security groups, have also been set up in churches all over the city since November to maintain safety and order.

He said vehicular accidents related to parties and drinking are anticipated to increase within the weekend.

“Daghan na kay’g party padung sa Christmas, daghan ta'g mga vehicular accidents. Nya kasagaran ani kaning magsugod na’g Misa de Gallo. Mao ning daghan kay ta'g gi-respondehan sa kaning mga ambulance,” he said. (Vehicular accidents are expected to rise because there will be Christmas parties.)

Bañacia warned partygoers with private vehicles, especially motorcycle owners, to avoid driving if they are drunk to prevent accidents in the road.

CCDRRMO currently has 48 members of the quick response team and 195 job order personnel in command centers.

Antoinette O. Marquito/USC Intern