As long as health protocols are observed: PRO-7 chief okay with dawn mass

CEBU, Philippines — For Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 Director Albert Ignatius Ferro, the church can hold the traditional “Simbang Gabi” provided that minimum health standards are observed.

"As long as minimum health standards are being practiced, I think this religious activity should be undertaken," Ferro said yesterday, saying the police respect the country’s religious traditions.

The “Simbang Gabi” refers to the Masses Catholics attend at dawn for nine days leading to Christmas Day. The tradition dates back to 1565 when Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi celebrated the first Feast of the Nativity.

The COVID-19 pandemic, however, has threatened to cancel the tradition as it gathers crowds, which is one of the easiest ways for the coronavirus to get transmitted.

The national Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), however, is yet to make a decision on the matter.

Should IATF allow dawn Masses, Ferro said local government units in Central Visayas would have to amend their executive orders as going out at dawn would violate curfew hours.

"We will arrange the amendment of the curfew that the LGUs in Central Visayas are implementing under their EOs because the curfew is being initiated by them," Ferro said.

He also said that PRO-7 will have to deploy police personnel to churches to make sure that those attending the dawn Mass will observe health protocols strictly, particularly physical distancing.

"Just like in the malls, there should be markings or there should be observance of physical distancing. We cannot have the 100 percent occupancy in the restaurants and food shops. We have to adjust to whatever the situation is, specially that we are on a stable path in the management of COVID-19 in Central Visayas" Ferro said.

He also urged the public to cooperate with authorities at the Masses but discouraged those in the vulnerable sector, particularly the elderly and those below 15 years old, to attend the Mass.

Cebu City Police Director Josefino Ligan earlier expressed his concern on the matter, saying it would mean additional workload for policemen.

"On a personal note, Simbang Gabi is a violation of curfew hours so I don't think nga ipadayon ang Simbang Gabi kay daghan ang bantayanan sa kapolisan. It will be an additional workload for the police force," he said.

If allowed by IATF, the police will coordinate with the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) for preparations and will ask help from force multipliers, including barangay peace and security officers (BPSOs) in implementing minimum health protocols. — JMO (FREEMAN)