First Dawn Mass ‘peaceful’

CEBU, Philippines — The Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 described the first day of the “Misa de Gallo” at dawn yesterday as “generally peaceful.”

Police Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Ace Pelare, PRO-7 spokesperson, said police deployment was effective not only in churches but also in other places where many people gathered for the mass.

He said that except for accidents related to traffic flow, no major incidents were recorded while masses were held all over the region.

Pelare said police in Central Visayas even made arrests because their aggressive anti-drug campaign is being relentlessly implemented.

“As far as peace and security sa mga simbahan wala tay nadawat nga report nga major security issue,” he said.

City and provincial police directors had earlier submitted to PRO-7 their security plan for activities related to the Christmas season based on lessons from last year’s.

“Og naa man gani mga kabag-ohan this year mo-adjust ra pud na ang security plan kay naa man nay mga gitawag nato og contigency planning, kanang in case naay security adjustment maka adopt ra dayon atong kapulisan,” Pelare said.

“But, all in all, very peaceful first day of Misa de Gallo. Hopefully, we will be able to carry this out until January,” he added.

He once again reminded the public not to wear jewelry in public as well as carry valuables or large sums of money while in public areas to avoid being victimized.

He said that aside from police stations or roving peace officers, those with concerns can also approach every church’s Police Assistance Desk. — /RHM (FREEMAN)