By RHENJIE MARIE CALANTAS
ILOILO City – The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) is beefing up security for the nine-day Simbang Gabi that already started on Dec. 16.
PRO-6 director, Police Brigadier General Leo M. Francisco, ordered unit commanders to step up police visibility and preventive patrol operations to ensure the safety of churchgoers across Western Visayas.
More than 2,000 police personnel were deployed region-wide to different churches, markets, terminals, and other strategic areas.
“All unit commanders must intensify their security deployment in churches, as hundreds of people are expected to flock to these areas for the dawn masses,” said Francisco.
The region’s top cop further reminded the public to be extra cautious when leaving their homes to attend mass: ensure that all doors are locked, appliances are turned off, and no lit candles are left unattended to avoid unforeseen incidents and crime.
Francisco was also asking for everyone’s cooperation with the police authorities.
“Ako po at ang aking buong kapulisan sa Rehiyon 6 ay humihingi ng kooperasyon ng lahat para sa ligtas at mapayapang pagdiriwang ng kapaskuhan. Gawin po natin ang ating kanya-kanyang responsibilidad dahil ang kaligtasan ng bawat isa ay hindi po lamang trabaho ng pulis kundi ng bawat mamamayan,” he said.
He also stressed that everyone must celebrate Christmas and the New Year peacefully, with hope and with a deep sense of gratitude./PN
