The Philippine National Police (PNP) has placed all police units across the country on heightened alert ahead of the start of the traditional Simbang Gabi, or dawn masses, on December 16.
The move is part of the PNP’s comprehensive security plan, dubbed “Ligtas Paskuhan 2025,” designed to ensure the safety of the millions of Catholic faithful expected to attend the nine-day series of Masses leading up to Christmas.
In a statement released Sunday, PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez announced the deployment of more than 70,000 police personnel to secure churches and other busy public areas.
Nartatez outlined the security measures being implemented, which include intensified foot patrols, checkpoints, and mobile patrols conducted in and around places of worship.
Police commanders were specifically directed to secure churches and nearby convergence areas frequently visited by churchgoers after Mass.
Close coordination is also being maintained with local government units, barangay officials, and church authorities for effective crowd management and emergency response.
“Our goal is for our kababayan (countrymen) to feel safe as they attend Simbang Gabi and return home,” Nartatez said, adding that the effort is aimed at “helping make the Christmas season meaningful through improved peace and order measures.”
The PNP will remain vigilant against common holiday crimes, including theft and pickpocketing, as well as other potential issues like traffic congestion and fire hazards.
Officers will be visibly deployed around churches and surrounding streets throughout the season.
The public was also reminded by Nartatez to stay alert, secure personal belongings, follow traffic rules, and immediately report any suspicious activities to authorities.
Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3), which covers Central Luzon, has already activated its specific security plan, deploying nearly 6,000 police personnel in key areas.
Beginning December 16, PRO3 personnel will be stationed at police assistance desks, places of worship, transport hubs, commercial centers, and tourist destinations.
Additional deployments are slated for December 24 and 31 in designated fireworks zones.
Security efforts in Central Luzon are further supported by over 500 force multipliers.
The regional security operations, which include intensified anti-criminality campaigns and the establishment of Motorist Assistance Hubs, will continue until January 6, 2026.