The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) is now beefing up security as an expected swarm of people will visit churches to hear mass at the start of the Misa de Gallo on Wednesday.
Senior Supt. Marciano Batiancela Jr., acting chief of CCPO, said that at least four personnel will be deployed for the security of churches around Cebu City as the yuletide season starts.
“We already have security plan for Misa de Gallo where station commanders have already been asked to coordinate with parish pastoral council in their area of jurisdiction as well as with the barangay captains for augmentation of their tanods,” he told reporters.
He said stern instructions were given to the police officers who will secure the area. They were ordered not to leave unless the celebration of the Mass is over to avoid and do away with petty crimes such as theft and robbery incidents during the dawn masses.
“Let us all be vigilant. We should not bring or wear any expensive things that will only attract criminal elements,” said Batiancela.
Some of the areas identified were Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, Sto. Rosario Church, Sacred Heart Parish and Redemptorist Church.
A well-loved Filipino tradition, Misa de Gallo which means “Mass of the Rooster” will start on Wednesday, December 16 in churches across the country, and will end on December 24.
The practice was introduced by Spanish friars in the 17th century so that farmers could attend Mass before heading off to the fields early in the morning.
Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards.
