Aklan cops to secure 'Simbang Gabi' churchgoers
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan - To ensure the safety of churchgoers and the public, the Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) has directed the deployment of policemen and mobile patrols near the churches during the traditional 'Simbang Gabi'.

The mass on Wednesday morning marked the start of the nine-day dawn masses in preparation for the Christmas Day.

Aklan police provincial director Senior Superintendent Epifanio Bragais has underscored the APPO's implementation plan for increase police visibility and deployment of police personnel and patrols during the Simbang Gabi dawn masses.

Kalibo police chief Senior Insp. Arnolito Laguerta said his undermanned police and barangay tanods would be near the church premises of Saint John the Baptist Cathedral in Barangay Poblacion and Saint Jude Thaddeus Church in Barangay Andagao to maintain high visibility in churches.

Those attending the Simbang Gabi across the Catholic churches in the province are also advised to be alert on snatchers and pickpockets out to take advantage of the traditional Misa de Gallo.

The capital town of Kalibo has at least 58 policemen assigned to secure throngs of churchgoers for the Simbang Gabi in local churches, Laguerta said.

Simbang Gabi, one of the popular family traditions in the country, is a nine-day novena from December 16 as early as 4 in the morning and culminates with the “Misa de Gallo” on Christmas Eve to welcome the birth of Jesus Christ. The first midnight mass of thanksgiving was held in 1587 in the fields of Mexico by farmers and their families to celebrate a rich harvest.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) earlier ordered full deployment of its nightshift units as a crime prevention measure. The Archdiocese of Manila also issued reminders to parish priests to come up with 'lively' homilies for the predawn masses.