Camille Naredo

Catholic devotees flock to the St. Peter Parish: Shrine of Leaders in Quezon City for the first day of "Simbang Gabi" or Dawn Mass on December 16, 2024. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File

Catholic devotees flock to the St. Peter Parish: Shrine of Leaders in Quezon City for the first day of "Simbang Gabi" or Dawn Mass on December 16, 2024. Simbang Gabi is a nine-day series of Masses leading up to Christmas Day. 

Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Simbang Gabi Starts

Karen De Guzman

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/176571028387520241216-simbang-gabi-st-peter-MD1686 (1).jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Catholic devotees flock to the St. Peter Parish: Shrine of Leaders in Quezon City for the first day of &quot;Simbang Gabi&quot; or Dawn Mass on December 16, 2024. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File" width="960"/>Catholic devotees flock to the St. Peter Parish: Shrine of Leaders in Quezon City for the first day of &quot;Simbang Gabi&quot; or Dawn Mass on December 16, 2024. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File</div>MANILA -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) has placed all its units on heightened alert nationwide on Sunday as preparations for the annual Simbang Gabi begin.Acting PNP chief PLt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said more than 70,000 police personnel will be deployed to major churches and busy public areas under the &quot;Ligtas Paskuhan 2025&quot; program to ensure the safety of churchgoers.&quot;Our goal is to make our kababayan feel safe as they go to the church for the traditional ‘Simbang Gabi’, and back to their homes. We are ready and we are committed to contributing to the meaningful Christmas to everybody through improved peace and order measures,&quot; Nartatez said in a statement. PNP spokesperson PBGen. Randulf Tuaño earlier said an additional 30,000 augmented officers will also be deployed to help secure churches and other areas of convergence nationwide.As part of the security plan, the PNP will intensify foot patrols, establish checkpoints, and deploy mobile units around churches. Coordination with local government units, barangay officials, and church authorities will also be strengthened to ensure crowd management and emergency preparedness.Nartatez said authorities will focus on preventing theft, pickpocketing, and traffic congestion in crowded areas.&quot;We are also vigilant against potential fire hazards and other emergencies. Kaya naman, our personnel will be visibly deployed and patrolling the vicinity of churches and surrounding streets,&quot; he said.The PNP also urged the public to remain vigilant, secure their belongings, and immediately report any suspicious activities to authorities.&quot;Ipinapaalala rin namin sa publiko na sundin ang traffic rules at guidance ng mga police officers to avoid accidents. Most importantly, enjoy your Simbang Gabi safely, and always look out for one another,&quot; Nartatez added.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has placed all its units on heightened alert nationwide on Sunday as preparations for the annual Simbang Gabi begin.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has placed all its units on heightened alert nationwide on Sunday as preparations for the annual Simbang Gabi begin.

PNP places all units on heightened alert as Simbang Gabi begins

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PNP places all units on heightened alert as Simbang Gabi begins

Karen De Guzman,

ABS-CBN News

Published Dec 14, 2025 07:05 PM PHT

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Philippine National Police

heightened alert

Simbang Gabi

Christmas

security

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