Caloocan, Navotas boost security for Simbang Gabi

With the start of the Catholic tradition of Simbang Gabi, the local governments of Caloocan and Navotas have stepped up their security measures to prevent crime.

Caloocan Mayor Enrico Echiverri has ordered the police to conduct more patrols and increase the number of policemen deployed at churches, bus terminals, malls and communities to promote peace and order.

In addition to increased patrols, Caloocan police chief Senior Superintendent Rimas Calixto has also ordered plainclothes policemen to roam around the city to spot possible criminals and stop them in their tracks.

Checkpoints will also be set up in different parts of the city to be manned by police officers while barangay watchmen will conduct nightly patrols in their respective areas.

In Navotas, the local police has said it would intensify patrols in neighborhoods and public places like churches.

More than 200 uniformed personnel will be assigned to keep peace and order throughout the city’s 14 barangays (villages) and especially in churches during Simbang Gabi.

Navotas Mayor John Rey Tiangco said that barangay watchmen would also team up with the police to patrol individual neighborhoods and prevent burglaries.

The city government is currently installing 18 security cameras in public places in the city to facilitate the monitoring of developments.

The security cameras will be in addition to the 20 installed earlier.