MANILA (December 14) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has placed all units on heightened alert nationwide ahead of the start of Simbang Gabi on Dec. 16, as millions of Catholic faithful are expected to attend dawn and evening Masses until Christmas.
Under the Ligtas Paskuhan 2025 strategy, more than 70,000 police personnel will be deployed in churches and other crowded areas to ensure public safety. PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said security measures include intensified foot patrols, checkpoints, mobile patrols, and close coordination with local government units, barangay officials, and church authorities.
Police commanders were also ordered to secure churches and nearby convergence areas, especially places commonly visited by worshippers after Mass. Nartatez assured the public that police will remain vigilant against theft, pickpocketing, traffic congestion, fire hazards, and other emergencies, with officers visibly deployed around churches and surrounding streets.
He urged the public to stay alert, safeguard personal belongings, follow traffic rules, and report suspicious activities immediately.
Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) has rolled out its own holiday security measures across Central Luzon, deploying nearly 6,000 police personnel in key areas. Starting Dec. 16, police will be stationed at assistance desks, places of worship, transport hubs, commercial centers, and tourist spots, with additional deployments on Dec. 24 and 31 in designated fireworks zones.
These efforts, supported by over 500 force multipliers and Motorist Assistance Hubs along major roads, will remain in effect until Jan. 6, 2026.
