By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — There were no untoward incidents on the first day of Simbang Gabi on Monday (16 Dec 2024), and the event was generally peaceful, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“Sa ngayon po, wala po tayong na-momonitor na anumang seryosong banta, lalo na’t malapit na ang ating holiday season. Ngunit gaya ng palagi nating sinasabi, hindi tayo nagkukumpiyansa at patuloy ang koordinasyon natin sa ibang ahensya ng gobyerno,” PNP spokesperson Jean Fajardo said in a radio interview on Monday.
Fajardo also mentioned that police officers have been deployed to churches to monitor the situation, and police assistance desks have been set up outside.
“Ilang oras bago magsimula ang Simbang Gabi, naka-deploy na ang mga pulis. Meron ding police assistance desks, pati na ang mobile and police patrols sa paligid ng simbahan,” she said.
The PNP spokesperson expressed hope that the remaining Simbang Gabi Masses would continue to be peaceful.
Simbang Gabi is a nine-day series of Masses held by Filipino Catholics leading up to Christmas.
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