By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan / Philippine News Agency
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief on Wednesday (Dec. 8) said police officers will once again use rattan sticks (yantok) to ensure that safe physical distancing is observed in churches during the traditional ‘Simbang Gabi’ which starts on Dec. 16.
The Catholic faithful are expected to flock to churches for the Simbang Gabi, the pre-dawn Masses held for nine days leading to Christmas Day.
“We will be using the sticks for social distancing and, if needed, for aggressive individuals. It is a reminder on social distancing and can also be used as a disciplinary tool for aggressive behavior. It is the last option,” Maj. Gen. Vicente Danao said in Filipino in a radio interview.
The one-meter rattan sticks were first used last year to enforce physical distancing and prevent mass gatherings in public places when Metro Manila was still under general community quarantine.
‘Work near home’ policy
Danao said all NCRPO personnel will be allowed to report to duty in areas near their residences as part of their ‘work near home’ policy to give them the opportunity to spend more time with their families during the holiday season.
“They still have to report to the precincts. We have a contingency plan or security plan so there will be policemen everywhere, and not just in churches and malls, but tourist spots as well, to ensure the safety and security of our kababayans now that Simbang Gabi is set to start next week,” Danao said.
The five police districts covered by the NCRPO are Manila Police District (MPD), Quezon City Police District (QCPD), Northern Police District (NPD), Southern Police District (SPD), and Eastern Police District (EPD).
Fireworks displays
Meanwhile, Danao said community fireworks displays will be allowed during the New Year celebration in designated areas.
“We authorized this last year and there is a designated area based on the AOR [area of responsibility] and the approval of the LGU [local government unit],” he said.
The Philippine National Police earlier released its operational guidelines against firecrackers to ensure a safe and peaceful celebration of the Yuletide season.
These guidelines are in compliance with Executive Order No. 28 issued by President Rodrigo Duterte in 2017, which provides for the regulation and control of the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices. (PNA) – jlo
