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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PNP to ensure health, safety measures during Misa de Gallo

PNP to ensure health, safety measures during Misa de Gallo

Published Dec 14, 2020 03:01 pm

Gen. Debold Sinas, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ordered on Monday all police commanders to coordinate with Catholic Church officials in their respective areas of responsibility to map out security and safety measures for the traditional Misa de Gallo that starts December 16.

(Quiapo Church / Facebook / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

The goal, according to Sinas, is to ensure that the guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) for the celebration of masses are followed, that is, that only 30 percent of the maximum limit of the church would be allowed to enter.

The same guideline states that minimum health safety standard protocols must be observed, including physical distancing and wearing of face masks.

“All chiefs of police, city and provincial directors were directed to coordinate with rectors and parish priests on the Misa de Gallo, locally called Simbang Gabi, in order to impose the directive of the IATF,” said Sinas.

Misa de Gallo is a Christmas tradition in the Philippines and authorities are expecting that more people would go to the church over beliefs that good blessings would come if one would complete the nine-day series of Misa de Gallo.

But Sinas said he sees no problem with the Catholic Church since all parish priests have been complying with the government’s directive.

During his visit to Quiapo and Baclaran churches for instance, Sinas said he was assured that the ITAF protocols have been strictly followed.

“In fact, they have tried their best to limit (the number of participants). Even the priests and laymen have prevented the devotees (from) entering and to observe proper guidelines. We are happy for that,” said Sinas.

Based on the initial information relayed by ground commanders, Sinas said that police forces across the country have never encountered any problem with regard to the compliance with the IATF guideline.

“The less intervention of the police inside and within the perimeter of the Church the better. So far our commanders down the line are implementing and coordinating,” said Sinas.

The official, however, said that they will continue to deploy more policemen near churches to cope with any contingency.

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