PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) Chief Debold Sinas has ordered police commanders to ensure that health protocols will still be observed during the Misa de Gallo, locally known as Simbang Gabi.

Sinas said the conduct of Simbang Gabi should be in accordance with the protocols set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) on mass gatherings, such as the observance of physical distancing, wearing of face masks and face shield and the number of attendees should be limited to 30 percent of the venue capacity.

He said the number of people attending the Misa de Gallo should be controlled to ensure that the guidelines of the IATF-EID are followed.

“All chiefs of police, city and provincial directors were directed to coordinate with rectors and parish priests on the Misa de Gallo, locally called Simbang Gabi, in order to impose the directive of the IATF,” Sinas said.

He thanked the church leaders for complying with the government’s directive to ensure the safety of the public and to prevent the spread of the virus that causes the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

But he said they will continue to deploy more policemen near the church in anticipation of any eventuality, which includes crime incidents such as mugging, swindling, gang wars, robbery and theft, and burglary of unattended residences.

“In fact, they have tried their best to limit. Even the priests and laymen have prevented the devotees not to enter and to observe proper guidelines. We are happy for that,” he said.

“The less intervention of the police inside and within the perimeter of the Church, the better. So far, our commanders down the line are implementing and coordinating,” he added.

The Simbang Gabi, a Filipino tradition in which the faithful attend pre-dawn masses on the nine days leading to Christmas Day, is set to start on Wednesday dawn, December 16.

Meanwhile, Sinas said the police were also on the lookout for parties, which are prohibited this Christmas season due to the Covid-19 threat.

He said arrest against the violators can be made but it is still up to the discernment of the police commanders.

“The directive has been issued, guidelines have been issued, pronouncement has been given, nandun na lahat yan and I think our commanders are doing fine in implementing it okay. Now kung may nakiusap sa kanila, nasa kanila po yun hindi ba at they know already kung ano po ang mga specific instructions, okay. So we leave it to them kasi they are already equipped with the various directives, so they already know what to do,” said Sinas. (SunStar Philippines)