FILE PHOTO: The Catholic faithful on early Friday morning (December 16, 2022) flock to the first of the nine dawn Masses, or “Simbang Gabi,” leading to Christmas at the four-century-old St. Mary Magdalene Church in Kawit, Cavite. Philippine Daily Inquirer / Richard A. Reyes
MANILA, Philippines — The traditional nine-day “Simbang Gabi” in Metro Manila was smooth as no unfortunate incident was recorded in the capital area during the period, according to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).
On Christmas Day, the metro police said there was no illegal discharge of firearms, no casualties from stray bullets, and no fire incidents due to firecrackers or fireworks from December 16-24.
There were also no arrests based on the possession, use, and sale of firecrackers as well as casualties due to the fiery noisemakers during the dawn Masses.
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“We are happy that generally, we were able to peacefully and solemnly secure the ‘Simbang Gabi 2022’ with no recorded significant incident,” NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Jonnel Estomo said in a statement Sunday, December 25.
“This will not be possible without the help and support of those who participated, our team, and of course, our force multipliers. Thank you very much,” he added.
The NCRPO said December 16-24 this year logged the lowest crime index in three years at 100 cases.
In 2020 and 2021, it noted, the crime index during the same period was 190 and 154, respectively.
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