POLICE led by Col. George Ylanan conduct foot patrol in Cebu City. (Contributed photo)
CEBU CITY – Police here are gearing up for the start of Misa de Gallo on Dec. 16.
Police Col. George Ylanan, chief of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), said a security plan has been laid out to ensure that the conduct of dawn Masses will be peaceful.
Ylanan said the CCPO has coordinated with major churches as part of security preparations.
He said police personnel will be deployed in churches.
As houseowners will be away to attend dawn Masses, the Mobile Patrol Unit will conduct regular patrols to prevent thefts.
“We are anticipating that some people may take advantage. Aside from deploying police in churches, we will also intensify our patrols in residential areas so that those who will attend Masses will have the peace of mind that the neighborhood is safe while they are away," said Ylanan.
Police will also be on the lookout for youth gangs who may cause trouble during Masses.
Masses have been disrupted in the past due to warring youth gangs.
Part of the preparations is the holding of “Oplan: Bulabog” where police will be visiting bars.
The measure is to discourage those who are drunk from attending Masses straight from drinking sessions.