Metro security tightened as Misa de Gallo starts
12/17/2009 | 02:23 AM
Filipino faithful flocked to churches early dawn of Wednesday for the first of nine Simbang Gabi--literally "night mass" but actually held during dawn hours--amid increased police visibility in Metro Manila.
According to a report by radio station dzBB, Metro Manila police chief Director Roberto Rosales ordered the deployment of 10,000 personnel to keep watch over churches in the next nine days before Christmas.
Church bells pealed as early as 2 a.m. as Filipinos woke up early to hear the traditional dawn mass, also called Misa de Gallo, in the belief their wishes would be granted if they complete the nine masses.
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Rosales particularly ordered strict security on churches with large devotee followings, including those in Baclaran and Quiapo, as well on churches near Malacañang, including the churches of St. Jude and St. Michael.
Likewise secured were the Santo Niño Church in Manila's Tondo district, the Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City, and the Manila Cathedral just across the Commission on Elections office.
In eastern Metro Manila, police also kept tight watch on churches in the cities of Pasig, Marikina, Mandaluyong and San Juan.
Similarly, dzBB reported that the police are guarding against snatchers and thieves in night markets in Manila.
With more than an million shoppers visiting the markets in Divisoria during the Christmas season, Manila Police District (MPD) station 11 head Superintendent Nelson Yabut said the "Salisi" and swindling gangs are able mingle with the crowd and do criminal acts undetected.
The MPD is also coordinating with the Trade Department to look out for unscrupulous traders selling substandard Christmas lights and expired food items. – Jerrie M. Abella/JV, GMANews.TV
According to a report by radio station dzBB, Metro Manila police chief Director Roberto Rosales ordered the deployment of 10,000 personnel to keep watch over churches in the next nine days before Christmas.
Church bells pealed as early as 2 a.m. as Filipinos woke up early to hear the traditional dawn mass, also called Misa de Gallo, in the belief their wishes would be granted if they complete the nine masses.
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV
Rosales particularly ordered strict security on churches with large devotee followings, including those in Baclaran and Quiapo, as well on churches near Malacañang, including the churches of St. Jude and St. Michael.
Likewise secured were the Santo Niño Church in Manila's Tondo district, the Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City, and the Manila Cathedral just across the Commission on Elections office.
In eastern Metro Manila, police also kept tight watch on churches in the cities of Pasig, Marikina, Mandaluyong and San Juan.
Similarly, dzBB reported that the police are guarding against snatchers and thieves in night markets in Manila.
With more than an million shoppers visiting the markets in Divisoria during the Christmas season, Manila Police District (MPD) station 11 head Superintendent Nelson Yabut said the "Salisi" and swindling gangs are able mingle with the crowd and do criminal acts undetected.
The MPD is also coordinating with the Trade Department to look out for unscrupulous traders selling substandard Christmas lights and expired food items. – Jerrie M. Abella/JV, GMANews.TV
