CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A Church official has urged devotees and churchgoers to be vigilant and cooperate with security measures imposed by authorities for safer and more peaceful religious activities especially this coming “Simbang Gabi” (dawn Mass) here starting December 16.

Saint Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral Rector Fr. Alan Pulgo said that security measures implemented in churches here are designed to ensure peace and order as the police’s job is to make sure that all churchgoers in this city are safe.

THE Saint Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral in Barangay 1, Cagayan de Oro City. (Franck Dick Rosete)

“Whatever the order of our police, that's what we will obey,” Pulgo said on Wednesday, December 6.

Mayor Rolando Uy asked the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) to implement the “One Entrance Policy” following the explosion during Mass at the Dimaporo Gymnasium at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, on December 3 where four individuals were killed.

COCPO spokesperson Police Lt. Col. Evan Viñas said that all churches in this city are covered by the measure being implemented by the ten police stations.

Pulgo said Cagayan de Oro City Archbishop Most Rev. Jose Cabantan backed the city government’s move.

He added that the city police have coordinated with the Saint Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral in Barangay 1 to identify entrances that need to be closed and where to put the single entrance.

Police Major Peter Tajor, chief of the Divisoria Police Station, said they have started to put the lone entrance where they can check all churchgoers prior to entering a few meters away from the cathedral’s main door.

Pulgo said all entrances at the left side of the church have been closed and they established a single exit.

When entering, Tajor said an individual should never wear a face mask or a cap and should never bring a packed bag.

Tajor said they would consider the idea of changing the entrance setup especially when Simbang Gabi starts as churchgoers during these times would normally occupy the entire church’s vicinity, including Gaston Park.

“Since many people would go to church (during Simbang Gabi), that’s our plan so that we can tighten the security,” Tajor said.

During Simbang Gabi, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, police established a single entrance near the main highway on Gearlan St.

Pulgo called on the public to help the police by reporting possible bad elements. This was echoed by Tajor who said law enforcement agencies really need the help of the community to to achieve a peaceful environment.

In spite of what is happening, Pulgo reminded the people that hardships and disasters are part of God’s reminder that they should be cautious. Nevertheless, he said these should not hinder humankind from being happy, which is the central message of Christmas Day.