AS Filipino Catholics continue to flock into churches for the traditional Misa de Gallo, the police force in Central Visayas remain alert in sustaining peace and order during the Christmas holidays.
Police Regional Office-7 (PRO-7) director Chief Supt. Jose Mario Espino said that the police stations in the region have not recorded any major incident since the nine-day Misa de Gallo began on December 16.
“We have not experienced any untoward incident. Meaning, the Misa de Gallo has been peaceful and in order,” Espino said.
To ensure the security of the public, Espino said that he already augmented the forces of Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) and Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO).
Police officers have been deployed to churches during the dawn Masses to ensure the security and safety of churchgoers.
Security measures have also been tightened in markets, malls and other public places that are expected to draw huge crowds.
“We have given enough personnel (to CCPO and CPPO) through augmentation from Regional Public Safety Force,” Espino said.
The additional police personnel will help in traffic direction and control especially in cities during Christmas rush hours.
Espino also assured that even if many police officers are on Christmas break, the number of policemen on duty is enough to secure the entire region.“We will make sure that your holidays and your places will be peaceful,” Espino said.
Espino also urges the public to help the police forces in maintaining a peaceful and safe Christmas season.