First day of ‘Simbang Gabi’ peaceful – PNP

(INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / MARIANNE BERMUDEZ)

MANILA, Philippines – The start of the traditional “Simbang Gabi” (Dawn Masses) was generally peaceful with no untoward incident monitored, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday.

PNP Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said they are hoping that this will continue until the last day on December 24.

“Wala naman po na-report na any untoward incident sa simula ng Simbang Gabi. Hopefully po ay matapos po itong nine days ng walang seryosong insidente na naitatala,” Fajaro said in an interview over Radyo 630. 

(No untoward incident reported at the start of Simbang Gabi. Hopefully, this will continue until the end.)

“Kanina sa mga simbahan na namonitor natin makapal po yung bilang ng tao but so far peaceful naman po,” she added. 

(We monitored large crowds in churches but so far the observance is peaceful.)

 (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)

Fajardo revealed that the PNP already deployed personnel hours before the first Simbang Gabi and dispatched mobile and foot patrols to monitor the situation in areas near churches.

She added that they also installed police assistance desks near churches in case of emergency.