To ensure the safety of churchgoers during the traditional Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo, the regional police will put up assistance desks in all churches in Cebu City.
The security measure was discussed in a conference presided over by Chief Supt. Prudencio Bañas, director of the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas.
Bañas ordered his men to be vigilant during the dawn Masses which will be held for nine straight days starting Dec. 16.
Chief Insp. Wildemar Tiu, chief of the Fuente Police Station, which has nine big churches in its jurisdiction, said warring youth gang members will be monitored to make sure they won’t create trouble during the event.
Aside from uniformed personnel, policemen in civilian clothes will also be deployed to prevent petty crimes from happening, Tiu said.
Police also advised the public to make sure that houses are properly locked when they go out to attend mass.