Cops to secure 'Simbang Gabi' in 61 Catholic churches in Manila - MPD Chief

Dec 14, 2022 12:42 PM

Armed and uniformed police personnel will be deployed to the 61 Catholic churches in Manila starting on Saturday, Dec. 16, for the observance of the traditional nine-day dawn masses or “Simbang Gabi," said Manila Police District (MPD) Director Police Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon.

Photo taken after the “MACHRA’s Balitaan” held at the Century Seafood Restaurant in Malate, Manila shows (from left) MPD spokesman and public information officer Col. Philipp Ines, MACHRA directors Jerry Tan and Pat Santos, Itchie Cabayan, MPD Director Andre Dizon, Andi Garcia, Juliet de Loza, Mylene Gregorio-Alfonso, Garcia, Jun Reloban and Jhun Anzures. Behind Garcia are Brian Bilasano and Mary Ann Santiago. Also in photo are media attendees (2nd from left) Raya Capulong, (4th from left) Cherry Ilaw and (3rd from right) Justinne Punsalang.

During the Manila City Hall Reporters’ Association (MACHRA) forum held on Tuesday, Dec. 12, Dizon said the deployment of the policemen will start early morning of Dec. 16 to ensure peace and order, especially in huge places of convergence such as Quiapo Church, Sto. Nino Church, San Sebastian Church, the Manila Cathedral, and San Agustin Church.

Members of the MPD will use motorcycles, police cars, and bicycles in patrolling the vicinities of Churches, he added.