CEBU Archbishop Alberto Uy leads the start of 'Misa de Gallo' in Tabogon, Cebu by presiding over a Mass in San Isidro Labrador Parish on Tuesday, Dec. 16.(Photo from the Archdiocese of Cebu)
CEBU CITY – There was no report of any untoward incident at the start of 'Misa de Gallo' here on Tuesday, Dec. 16, police said.
Police Lt. Col. Jose Losbaños, information officer of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), said the start of the nine-day masses was generally peaceful.
Losbaños at least 600 policemen and force multipliers were deployed in major churches in this city, particularly Metropolitan Cathedral, Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, Santo Rosario Parish Church, and Capitol Parish Church.
Security personnel were deployed as early as 3 a.m. Police assistance desks were also mounted in churches.
“One of the contributory factors of the peaceful start of Misa de Gallo was the deployment of sufficient personnel,” said Losbaños.
If necessary, more personnel will be deployed, said Losbaños. “We will adjust our deployment accordingly,” Losbaños said.
Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy marked the start of Misa de Gallo by presiding over a mass in San Isidro Labrador Parish in Tabogon, one of the towns in Cebu still recovering from the Sept. 30 magnitude-6.9 earthquake.
Uy said his decision to start the Misa de Gallin in Tabogon highlights the Church’s solidarity with residents who were affected and are still recovering from the effects of the calamity.
In his homily, Uy reminded the faithful that God values more what is inside someone’s heart. He added that every action musy be an offering grounded in sacrifice and love.
“Without sacrifice, one cannot fully love and worship the Lord,” he said.
After the Mass, Uy led the planting of fruit-bearing trees within the parish grounds.