PNP: First day of Simbang Gabi 2024 generally peaceful

The first day of the traditional nine-day dawn Masses or Simbang Gabi has been generally peaceful on Monday, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“Generally peaceful. No untoward incident recorded,” PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo told GMA News Online in a message.

Fajardo at a press briefing said that around 47,000 police personnel have been deployed and no credible threat has been monitored so far in connection with the celebration of the Yuletide season.

“Wala naman tayong namo-monitor so far na mga credible threat that would somehow disrupt yung ating mahabang holiday season (So far we are not monitoring any credible threats that would somehow disrupt our long holiday season),” she said.

“Pero mini-maintain pa rin natin yung ating aggressive security measures to make sure na hindi po tayo malulusutan (But we will still maintain our aggressive security measures to make sure that threat will not be overlooked)," she added.

The PNP continues to coordinate with other law enforcement agencies on monitoring possible threats, according to Fajardo.

Many Filipino Catholic faithful trooped to churches early Monday morning for the start of Simbang Gabi.

The PNP is on heightened alert as its chief, Police General Rommel Marbil, has directed all police units to implement security measures in coordination with local governments, churches, and other stakeholders.

“Our priority is to provide a safe and peaceful environment for all devotees participating in this sacred tradition. We have increased police presence in churches and surrounding areas to ensure public safety throughout the Simbang Gabi period,” Marbil said. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA Integrated News