Security forces brace for ‘Simbang Gabi’
THE DAVAO Police Regional Office (PRO) in Davao will intensify police visibility and security provisions to ensure the safety of the churchgoers during “Simbang Gabi” or nine dawn masses.
Brig. Gen. Filmore Escobal, PRO XI director, said he has directed all police units in the region to intensify preventive patrol operations starting Dec. 16.
“I have already developed our ‘Paskuhan 2019’ so all provincial and city police offices are directed to provide safety services in all churches and other areas where people converge during this season,” Escobal said.
For the safety of the public, Escobal also urged residents to be vigilant and cooperate with the authorities for the tighter security measures implemented, especially in checkpoints.
“I am appealing to the public to cooperate on the security process,” he said while reminding police units to be on the lookout for common street crimes such as theft, swindling, and possible gang wars.
Earlier, Angel Sumagaysay, chief of Davao City’s Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC), said they have coordinated with the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) for the implementation of the “one entrance, one-exit” policy for churchgoers.
“We will enforce this policy to monitor the mass attendees,” he said, adding they will also intensify the “no backpack and no jacket policy” in church premises.
“Considering that it is cold during dawn, they can still use their jackets but upon entering, they have to take it off for inspection. They can eventually use it after being cleared by the inspecting personnel,” he said. (PNA)