PNP: Christmas celebration generally peaceful

MANILA, Philippines — The celebration of Christmas nationwide was generally peaceful, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported yesterday.

PNP chief Gen. Debold Sinas said the police did not monitor any major untoward incident that could have disrupted the people’s observance of Christmas, including the nine-day Simbang Gabi or pre-dawn mass.

“The security and public safety preparations of the police paid off as the Catholic faithful came in droves to observe the traditional Simbang Gabi with no untoward incidents reported,” he said in a statement.

Sinas lauded the local government units and church authorities for helping the PNP in implementing public health guidelines set by the government against the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have been hopeful that our people would be quite conscious that the minimum health protocols were being followed well,” he said.

He said the 221,000-strong PNP would remain on full alert status throughout the Yuletide season.

In Metro Manila, there were no reports of firecracker-related incidents as well as illegal discharge of firearms on Christmas Eve.

Metro Manila police chief Brig. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. attributed the peaceful situation in the region to the decision of the local chief executives banning firecrackers during the duration of the holiday season.