CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama pushes for safety and security as the Misa de Gallo starts on Sunday.
“When the cat is away, the mouse will play. All people will be trooping to the church to attend the dawn mass,” said Rama.
Rama is expecting churches to be filled saying it’s all about thanksgiving since Cebu was not greatly affected by super typhoon Pablo.
“Kay puno man ang mga simbahan. Naay tendency nga mabyaan gyud ang mga balay nga walay mga tawo. Maung akong gi-awhag ang tanan nga binlan gyud og tawo ang ilang mga balay para mabantayan. (Because churches are filled, there is a tendency that nobody is left at home. I ask everyone to leave somebody to watch over their homes.” said Rama.
He based it on his experience that one Christmas when all of his family went to the church without leaving someone in the house. When they went home, they found out that they were robbed.
Rama is requesting Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) director Melvin Ramon Buenafe to deploy all his men in the churches and the residential areas as well to prevent bad elements from taking advantage.
“There should be police visibility. Dili ko gusto nga ang madunggan naku, adunay mga akyat-bahay, (I don’t want to hear reports that somebody has been victimized by burglars.)” said Rama.
Rama also urges barangay tanods not to drink liquor since they should be doing their duties in keeping their areas secured and safe.
“Ang mga tanod dili gyud magtagay, kinahanglan walay tulganay, suroy-suroy gyud sa bisan asang dapit sa ilang lugar para ma-maintain ang security. (Tanods should not be drinking liquor. They should patrol the different places in their areas to maintain security.)” Rama said.
Rama also encouraged the parish security group to be more vigilant and alert for pickpockets since there will be more people inside the church.
“I’m pushing for safety and security since I wanted to have a peaceful celebration of the Misa de Gallo,” Rama said. (FREEMAN)