Security for dawn masses all set

With just over a week left before the bell rings for the much-anticipated Misa de Gallo, security measures are already in place for all 34 churches in the city, as the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) has laid out its plans to ensure the safety of the public and churchgoers.

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Police Colonel George Ylanan, officer-in-charge (OIC) of the CCPO, said that the city police will deploy more than 500 police officers and other law enforcement personnel across 34 Catholic churches, both large and small, in the city. These churches will be observing the traditional nine-day dawn masses starting on December 16 and continuing through Christmas Eve on December 24.

He shared that the CCPO has already coordinated with these churches and has identified at least 12 small churches and 22 large ones in Cebu City. Ylanan said that a total of 139 CCPO policemen will be assigned near the churches.

At least 169 barangay police security officers (BPSO) or barangay tanod will also be detailed as the city's counterpart at the barangay level, while 55 force multipliers will be on duty to provide additional manpower.

In total, Ylanan said that at least 568 personnel will be deployed, along with several other personnel from various law enforcement agencies who have expressed their commitment to help maintain peace and order during the Misa de Gallo masses.

Ylanan also assured the public that they can guarantee safety and security during this time, with the presence of their police officers and police assistance desks, which will be set up near the churches.

“Visible gyud kaayo atong kapulisan diha (ug) magbutang pa gyud ta og police assistance desks diha sa simbahan to be manned by our PNP personnel and other law enforcement agencies, sa atong partner agencies, ug mga civilian volunteers para mahatag gyud nato ang kasiguradohan safe gyud ang atong pagpahigayon sa Misa de Gallo,” Ylanan said over CCTN 47's PRO 7 Action Files television program aired on Wednesday.