The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that the start of the traditional Simbang Gabi (Dawn Masses) was generally peaceful, with no untoward incidents observed.
PNP Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo expressed hope that the peaceful situation would continue throughout the nine-day observance, which ends on December 24. “Wala naman po na-report na any untoward incident sa simula ng Simbang Gabi. Hopefully po ay matapos po itong nine days ng walang seryosong insidente na naitatala,” Fajardo said in an interview with Radyo 630.
(No untoward incident reported at the start of Simbang Gabi. Hopefully, this will continue until the end.)
Fajardo noted that while large crowds were observed at churches, the situation remained orderly. “Kanina sa mga simbahan na namonitor natin makapal po yung bilang ng tao but so far peaceful naman po,” she added.
(We monitored large crowds in churches but so far the observance is peaceful.)
She explained that PNP personnel were deployed several hours before the first Simbang Gabi began, with both mobile and foot patrols dispatched to ensure security in areas near churches. Additionally, police assistance desks were set up near church premises to provide immediate support in case of emergencies.
