By Edwin Fernandez/PNA
COTABATO CITY – The first two days of the Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo (dawn mass) here have been solemn and very peaceful, the Cotabato City Police Office (CCPO) said.
Supt. Romeo Galgo Jr., CCPO deputy director, said the public’s cooperation and presence of police force multipliers allowed the two days of dawn masses to proceed without any trouble.
“We have no reported violent incidents the past 48 hours in the city,” Galgo said. “We have not monitored any threats against the traditional dawn masses, but we remain on alert,” he added.
Galgo said all Catholic churches in various parts of the city have police personnel serving as peacekeepers, ensuring everything is all right.
Several police patrol cars backed by soldiers from the Army’s 5th Special Forces Battalion also roam around the city to ensure no burglars would take advantage while homeowners are attending dawn masses.
Supt. Aldrin Gonzales, police spokesperson for the SOCCSKSARGEN region, also said that across Region 12, no untoward incident was reported that may affect the holding of dawn masses.
“So far, the traditional dawn masses have been quiet, and no incidents were reported that could affect the traditional event,” he said. “People have been cooperating with the law enforcers,” he added.
Both Galgo and Gonzales, however, appealed to the public to remain vigilant so the traditional nine-day Christmas novena, which began Dec. 16, would continue to be peaceful and solemn.
Gonzales said in a radio interview here that all police units across the region would remain on alert status during the Christmas holidays.
He said the police and the military officials under the Army’s 6th Infantry Division and 10th Infantry Division are closely working to ensure all residents in the region are at peace as they celebrate the Yuletide season.
