BY JEN BAYLON and RUBY SILUBRICO
ILOILO City – Police personnel here and in Iloilo province are actively preparing for the anticipated influx of devotees during this year’s Simbang Gabi, the traditional nine-day pre-Christmas Masses starting Dec. 16.
Police station commanders have received instructions to deploy officers to key locations, including places of worship, commercial centers, road safety points, seaports, public transportation terminals, busy streets, tourist spots, and other popular gathering areas.
Police Assistance Desks (PADs), supported by advocacy groups, will be established at each place of worship.
Additionally, night duty personnel have been strengthened to enhance police visibility, and mobile patrol units equipped with visible blinkers will be deployed in areas prone to crime.
Colonel Joeresty P. Coronica, director of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), anticipates an increased attendance at evening and morning Masses. He underscores the goal of achieving zero crime incidents during this period.
“We have coordinated with our force multipliers, security guards, and other law enforcement agencies. We also urge village chiefs to deploy Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams to support our personnel in their crime prevention efforts during the holidays and ensure the safety of churchgoers,” said Coronica.
The police have also conducted extensive information operations, focusing on the identification and reporting of any found, abandoned, or suspicious packages.
“With more people expected to attend Masses, we will increase police presence inside and outside the churches, as well as in public plazas. We ask churchgoers to remain vigilant and cautious of those around them. Our security measures are in place,” said Coronica.
The city’s police director also mentioned extensive coordination with Muslim leaders and Imams across different districts, especially in light of the recent bombing in Marawi City.
Meanwhile, Major Rolando Araño, spokesperson for the Iloilo Provincial Police Office (IPPO), shared details about their preparations.
“The entire province of Iloilo and our units are now on heightened alert,” Araño said. “We are fully committed to maintaining peace and order, especially during Simbang Gabi.”
Emphasizing a community-oriented approach, the IPPO plans to engage various stakeholders as force multipliers.
Araño also advised churchgoers to take precautions to prevent accidents when leaving their homes.
“We urge everyone to exercise caution. Before leaving, conduct thorough checks for potential fire hazards, such as faulty electrical connections. We also recommend investing in CCTV systems for added security and easier identification and tracking of suspects in theft or other crimes. It’s crucial to secure homes by locking doors and windows, thus reducing entry points for potential criminals,” he said./PN
