THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) reported that the first day of Simbang Gabi or the nine dawn masses on Dec. 16 was very peaceful.
On Sunday, DCPO spokesperson Captain Hazel Tuazon said police stations 1 to 13 and stations 15 to 20 submitted their monitoring report where they recorded no eventful incident.
“This tranquility results from the cooperation of the people attending the first Simbang Gabi. In times like these, everyone must be cooperative with the guidelines for the safety and security of many,” Tuazon said.
She said the public should always be mindful of their actions and submit to inspections. She also urged churchgoers to avoid bringing their infants and elderly with health conditions.
Meanwhile, the DCPO is doubling its efforts to secure religious places for the safety and security of Davaoeños.
City police director Col. Alberto Lupaz has instructed station commanders to deploy dedicated security forces within and outside the premises of churches.
“Kung naa’y mahitabo sa gawas, dili na to muhawa ang naa sa sulod nga security. Dapat ang kato lang sa gawas nga nagbantay sa gawas, para naay muhatag og seguridad sa mga tao nga naa sa sulod sa simbahan (In the event of a commotion outside the church, the personnel deployed outside should be the ones to handle the issue while the ones inside must continue ensuring the security of churchgoers),” she said.
Safety tips
The DCPO also shared some safety tips for residents before leaving their homes for Christmas. For instance, they should avoid posting photos on social media regarding their whereabouts.
Davaoeños are also encouraged to double-check the locks of their doors or windows and ask trusted neighbors to check on their houses while they are away.
“Siyempre ang mga kawatan nangita lang na og chance or opportunity nga wala’y tao sa ilahang balay (Thieves and burlgars are only looking for a chance or opportunity when nobody is home),” she said.
“We always remind the public that when they go to public places or venues, they must not bring prohibited items. Davaoeños should also cooperate with our security forces,” Tuazon said.
