ILOILO City – With the “Simbang Gabi” set to start at dawn on Wednesday (Dec. 16), the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) is on full alert.
Police visibility and preventive patrol operations will be maximized to deter lawless elements from striking, said Police Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, PRO-6 spokesperson.
Police presence will be enhanced by intensifying foot and mobile patrol in areas or times where police assistance is needed.
Police assistance hubs will also be established in strategic areas, said Malong, and checkpoints will be religiously done.
Cops will be detailed inside and outside of churches to ensure adherence of churchgoers to safety health protocols, like social distancing and wearing of facemasks, aimed to curtail the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Community firecracker zones would also be posted with policemen.
The full alert status will last until the first week of January 2021, Malong said.
Meanwhile, PRO-6 reminded police chiefs to coordinate with barangay officials in monitoring crimes that might take place during the nine-day predawn Masses.
Intelligence officers will also beef up its monitoring against thieves and robbers.
“We remind churchgoers to take care of their valuables. Lawless elements are taking advantage of the situation and we should not give them the opportunity to victimize you,” Malong said./PN
