1,200 cops deployed for ‘Simbang Gabi’

MANILA, Philippines — The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will deploy some 1,200 policemen to secure 290 churches in Metro Manila during the 16-day traditional Simbang Gabi or dawn mass that starts tomorrow, a police official said.

NCRPO chief Director Guillermo Eleazar yesterday warned criminals not to take advantage of the situation as uniformed policemen are ready to deal with them.

“We will not allow criminals to disturb the peace in churches in Metro Manila and its surroundings,” said Eleazar.

According to Eleazar, security would be tight, not only against criminals but also against gangs that might create trouble during the early morning mass.

The security of Simbang Gabi is part of a bigger Oplan Ligtas Kapaskuhan hatched by the NCRPO to secure the metropolis during the Christmas holidays.