Churchgoers attend a pre-dawn mass at Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Cubao on December 16, 2023. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — Metro Manila police will deploy more than 10,000 cops to secure the traditional dawn masses or Simbang Gabi, which begins on December 16 until Christmas Eve.

PBGen. Anthony Aberin, Metro Manila police chief, said aside from churches, police personnel would also be stationed at transportation hubs.

He told TeleRadyo Serbisyo that snatching cases and "salisi" incidents would likely increase again, as these mostly occur in crowded areas. 

He added they are now deploying additional personnel from the District Mobile Force Battalion and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion to augment the personnel at their stations.

The Philippine National Police earlier announced that it was beefing up security operations nationwide for Christmas and year-end events. 

PNP tightens security for holiday events, potential rallies over Sara impeachment

Meanwhile, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio "Ambo" David hopes that priests would give meaningful homilies during Simbang Gabi.

"Ang paanyaya ko lang sa lahat ng kaparian, please prepare naman your homilies," said the cardinal after his thanksgiving mass at the San Roque Cathedral Parish on Saturday morning.

(I invite my fellow priests to please put preparation into your homilies)

"Ito yung panahon na talagang nakikinig ang mga tao (This is the time that people really are listening), they are captive audiences. They would really like to hear the Word of God," he added.