Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW) Director Jay Dela Fuente warned that unruly youths who get involved in riots during Simbang Gabi activities in the city will spend the Christmas season at Boys Town.

Dela Fuente issued the warning following consecutive incidents involving groups of youths who caused disturbances near Tondo Church during two Simbang Gabi masses.

In the first incident, four minors were rescued by personnel of the MDSW. They were immediately turned over to the Manila Reception and Action Center (RAC).

In a subsequent incident during the Simbang Gabi on Dec. 19, authorities rescued 11 more youths in a joint operation by the MDSW and the Manila Police District (MPD).

The intervention prevented a possible serious assault after authorities confiscated a knife, an ice pick, a four-finger steel weapon, and several umbrellas sharpened into improvised weapons.

All the youths involved are currently under the custody of the MDSW and will undergo intervention programs together with their parents.

Dela Fuente said the continuous area monitoring conducted by the MDSW, in coordination with the MPD, around various churches in the city has proven to be an effective crime-prevention measure and a demonstration of concern for churchgoers seeking a peaceful and solemn Simbang Gabi.

He reiterated his warning to unruly youths, stressing that those caught and rescued during riots will spend Christmas at Boys Town.

The MDSW director also appealed to parents to closely monitor their children and to refrain from allowing them to attend Simbang Gabi if they are with rowdy peer groups, to prevent them from being exposed to danger.

The intensified security and monitoring operations in churches across Manila aim to ensure public safety and a peaceful Simbang Gabi, in coordination with the MPD, in line with the peace and order program of Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno" Domagoso.