‘Simbang Gabi in southern Metro Manila peaceful’

MANILA, Philippines — The start of the nine-day Simbang Gabi or dawn masses in southern Metro Manila was generally peaceful and orderly, police said yesterday.

Southern Police District (SPD) chief Col. Emmanuel Peralta said people flocked to the Redemptorist Church in Baclaran, Parañaque; St. Peter Church in Makati and St. Michael Parish Church in Taguig City for the dawn mass.

Police also visited the San Roque Church in Pateros as well as Sta. Ana Church and Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish in Taguig to ensure that the people followed health protocols.

“The start of Simbang Gabi was orderly amid the pandemic,” Peralta said.

He said police officers made sure that churches complied with the maximum 50 percent capacity.

Peralta ordered police officers to remain vigilant and protect churchgoers from criminals.