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[av_heading heading=’‘Simbang Gabi’ a security concern ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=’30’ subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]
BY RUBY P. SILUBRICO and GLENDA SOLOGASTOA
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ILOILO City – The traditional simbang gabi begins on Dec. 16 – a nine-day dawn Mass in Philippine Catholic churches leading to Christmas day, Dec. 25.
Security in churches will be tightened, said Superintendent Gilbert Gorero, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6).
Police assistance centers would be set up.
Simbang gabi originated in the early days of Spanish rule over the Philippines as a practical compromise for farmers, who began work before sunrise to avoid the noonday heat out in the fields.
Priests began to say Mass in the early mornings instead of the evening novenas more common in the rest of the Hispanic world, but the simbang gabi name stuck.
This cherished Christmas custom eventually became a distinct feature of Philippine culture.
Gorero said police chiefs have been ordered to submit deployment plans that should also include areas other than churches such as plazas where people usually converge.
Policemen would also be posted in residential areas, said Gorero, to thwart robbers waiting for the opportunity to burglarize houses when no one is around.
People should be wary of petty street criminals such as pickpockets and snatchers, he added.
Gorero gave some practical security tips such as the following:
* Do not wear jewelry.
* Refrain from bringing large sums of money.
* Do not leave bags unattended.
“Some thieves also attend the simbang gabi. They look for potential victims,” said Gorero.
In a related development, the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) has activated its Oplan Yuletide.
According to Senior Superintendent Marlon Tayaba, Iloilo police director, they would be tapping “force multipliers” to maintain peace and order.
“These force multipliers include security guards and barangay tanods,” he said.
Policemen won’t be taking breaks his holiday season, Tayaba added./PN
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