MANILA – The first day of the traditional “Simbang Gabi” (dawn Masses) nationwide was generally orderly and peaceful, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday.
“Wala naman nai-report na any untoward incident sa simula ng Simbang Gabi. At hopefully, ay matapos itong nine days, walang seryosong insidente na tayo’y maitatala. Kanina ay sa mga simbahan na na-monitor natin ay makapal yung bilang ng mga tao. but so far ay peaceful naman (No untoward incident has been reported at the beginning of the dawn masses. And hopefully, no serious incidents will be recorded after nine days. Earlier in the churches, we monitored a large number of people, but so far, it was peaceful),” PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said in a radio interview.
Fajardo assured that the PNP would maintain enhanced police visibility in crowded areas including places of worship, major thoroughfares, and transport terminals to ensure tight security for the holiday season.
She said police were deployed a few hours before the start of the evening Masses, as well as in places that are likely to be visited after the evening prayers.
Meanwhile, Fajardo said the PNP has not monitored “any serious or credible threat” to disrupt the holiday season.
”No threat was reported, monitored and identified, but rest assured that the PNP shall still employ the highest possible preparation to ensure the safety and security of the public during Yuletide season,” she said, adding that police units will be ready to respond to any threat.
Anti-crime drive in NCR
Meanwhile, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) acting chief Brig. Gen Anthony Aberin said intensified anti-illegal drug operations in Metro Manila from November 23 to December 14 has resulted in the seizure of PHP59 million worth of illegal drugs.
Metro Manila cops have arrested 889 drug suspects in 589 anti-drug operations in the same period.
Meanwhile, some 1,111 individuals with warrants were also arrested to face their cases in courts, while 154 suspects were arrested for illegal possession of firearms.
In the campaign against illegal gambling activities, police officers arrested 1,886 individualsand confiscated PHP357,865 worth of bet money.
“These manifest that NCRPO’s maximized police presence in Metro Manila, along with the conduct of aggressive and relentless anti-crime strategies, is delivering the desired results in peace and security,” Aberin said. (PNA)