This December 16, 2022 photo shows a snapshot from the first day of Misa de Gallo at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral in Cebu City.
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Cebu City is all set for the start of Misa de Gallo on Saturday, December 16, 2023, with the deployment of police personnel ready to ensure security, as confirmed by Police Lieutenant Colonel Janette Rafter, deputy director for operations of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO).
Rafter assured that their deployment is well-prepared to guarantee the safety of churchgoers attending the dawn masses at religious sites. The Misa de Gallo, or Dawn Masses, is scheduled to take place from Saturday, December 16, until Christmas Eve, December 24.
To tailor their security efforts, Rafter explained that the deployment of personnel in each church will depend on its size and category. An inventory of various religious sites in the city has already been conducted to determine the necessary security measures.
In outlining their plan, Rafter said that for each church, a minimum deployment would consist of two police officers from the station, two personnel from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion in Central Visayas (RMFB-7), and additional force multipliers from each barangay.
Previously, the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) augmented a total of 60 personnel from the RMFB-7 to assist in security coverage for the holiday season in Cebu City.
To further enhance safety measures, police assistance desks will be set up at these sites, ensuring that pilgrims have easy access to assistance in case of emergencies.
Rafter added that certain churches will undergo continuous police monitoring 24/7 during Misa de Gallo. This heightened security measure is a directive from CCPO director Police Colonel Ireneo B. Dalogdog, aligning with the guidance of regional director Police Brigadier General Anthony Aberin.
READ MORE: CCPO starts security preparations for Misa de Gallo
“We have to really beef up mga places of worship nato especially during the yuletide season. So sa atoa sa mga Katoliko, mag obserbar na ni sila aning Simbang Gabi o Dawn Mass nato nga magasugod karong December 16,” said Rafter.
‘Secure your houses before leaving’
With this, Rafter once again reminded the public to ensure that their houses are safe and secured before leaving to attend the mass.
“Atong iremind ang katong manimbahay to please secure and ensure that your houses or inyong mga panimalay, naa gyuy magbantay. Against sa mga kawatan ug against pud niining mga sunog which is very murag rampant…daghan na nga mga unfortunate nga panghitabo sa sunog,” she said.
Rafter was referring to two recent cases of fire incidents in Lapu-Lapu and Minglanilla, which left many families homeless.
“Kung wala gyud gani mahabilin, iensure lang gyud nato nga ang atong mga kuryente, atong mga gasul. Ug nakalock gyud na siya para gyud against sa mga manglukabay ug kining mga kawatan,” added Rafter.
Furthermore, Rafter advised devotees to refrain from bringing expensive items into the crowded church.
“Katong sa mga mosimba, iremind lang po namo nga…og pwede lang gyud sa dili na pagsul-ob og kanang mga mahalon nga mga gamit, pagdala diha sa simbahan og mga mahalon nga mga gamit,” she stated.
Rafter also requested for parents of young kids to supervise their children at all times. She reminded minors to behave accordingly inside the church in order to avoid creating any trouble.
“Atong iremind atong mga batan-on nga ang tong giadto diha is dili na ingon nga pagkiat or pagenjoy-enjoy. Ang atong pag-adto sa mga simbahan is to worship, is to give thanks, pagpasalamat naabot ta aning mga panahuna. Ug dili nga magkiat-kiat ta. Sa mga ginikanan nga naay mga batan-on pud nga mga anak, please supervise your minor kids,” stated Rafter. /clorenciana
READ MORE: ‘Simbang Gabi’ not about time but participation, says prelate