CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma will officiate the first day of the Misa de Gallo at the Our Lady of Consolation Church in the mountain barangay of Manlapay, Dalaguete on December 16.
“Ako, naa ra man ko kanunay nganhi sa Cebu City. Mas maayo nga adto na pud sa lagyong mga lugar aron usab ato silang makita ngadto,” said Palma, saying he finds it meaningful to celebrate the Misa de Gallo in poor towns.
Palma is also scheduled in churches in far-flung areas in the province as well as in the islands of Camotes and Bantayan, where he once celebrated the Misa de Gallo in the oldest parish in Cebu.
He could not remember the other parishes, though, where he is scheduled for the nine masses until the Christmas Eve.
“Kay matud ni Pope Francis, nga ang misa nahimong tuburan sa atong kakugi ug mahigugmaon diha sa himaya sa Dios ug atong mga kaigsuonan,” the prelate said.
Meanwhile, the police have laid out the security preparations for the observance of the Misa de Gallo next week.
Fuente Police Station chief, Chief Inspector Wildemar Tiu, said they will implement the comprehensive deployment system which includes deploying police personnel in churches to ensure the safety of churchgoers.
“Rest assured, gipangandaman nato especially sa atong area of responsibility wherein naa ta’y lima ka simbahan,” he said, saying they expect an influx of people going to church at dawn starting on December 16.
Tiu said they are also looking forward that the regional headquarters will provide more personnel in the city as requested by Cebu City Police Office officer-in-charge Senior Superintendent Conrad Capa.
Capa earlier said he requested for additional personnel from the Cebu City Public Safety Company and Mobile Patrol Group so more can be deployed for checkpoint operations especially at daytime.
Tiu added that for now, they will prioritize on the critical areas they have identified.
“We are focusing to prevent crimes from happening in the city especially based on the crime clock and crime days kun diin most prevalent mahitabo ang mga krimen,” he said.
He said barangay ta-nods and other organized volunteer groups will be helping the police in maintaining security in their respective areas.
Tiu, nevertheless, reminded the public to personally ensure their security. He advised them not to bring plenty of cash and other valuables such as jewelries when attending the Holy Mass.
Tiu also suggested to those who will walk going to the church to bring flashlights or other lighting device to protect themselves from getting injured, especially with motorists.
He added that it is best to remain vigilant particularly against pickpockets and snatchers.
Tiu further recommended to the parents to leave their children, especially those who are still young, at their homes to avoid possibly getting lost among the crowd.
“Naa’y incidents sa previous nga mga Misa de Gallo nga nawala ang ilang mga anak. Kabuang nuon sila og pangita. Kon pwede, di na lang dalhon ang mga gagmay nga bata,” the police chief said.
The police will also put up public assistance centers in every church. (FREEMAN)