SAN JOSE, Antique – An official of the Antique Police Provincial Office (APPO) hopes the nine-day Simbang Gabi, or dawn masses, will be peaceful.
So far they have not received any report of untoward incidents involving churchgoers since Simbang Gabi started on Dec. 16, said Superintendent Norby Escobar, APPO director for operations.
“So far there is a peaceful observance of the Simbang Gabi in the province,” he told a press conference.
Moreover, Escobar said police assistance desks were set up around churches.
Each desk was manned by two police officers. They will be there until Dec. 24.
Police officers also patrol the surroundings of churches.
“We have also requested the barangay tanods to serve as force multipliers in securing churches in the barangays in all 18 municipalities,” Escobar said.
Churchgoers should lock the doors and windows of their house before leaving for the daily dawn masses, said Margie Gadian, Antique provincial government adviser for peace and order and public safety consultant.
They must avoid wearing precious jewelry items, too, she added. (PNA)
