DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 15 December) – Around 5,000 security personnel will be deployed to churches in Davao Region to ensure the safety of worshipers who will be attending the traditional Misa de Gallo starting Saturday.
Major Catherine dela Rey, Police Regional Office-Davao spokesperson, said during Kapihan sa Philippine Information Agency on Friday that of this figure, 2,700 are police officers, 800 are auxiliaries, and 1,500 are volunteers from different groups.
She said the security personnel vowed to maintain order at the churches as they anticipate a large number of mass goers who will attend the masses starting December 16 until 24.
She said they are ready for deployment for the first day of Misa De Gallo.
Dela Rey encouraged the public to cooperate with the security checks upon entering the churches.
“Please be patient when you or your bags are subjected to checks. Be vigilant of your surroundings. If you happen to see anything suspicious, please approach the police assistance desks,” she said.
She said the region is “generally peaceful” with no reported violations of prohibited use of firecrackers.
She said there is no directive from the Philippine National Police for a gun ban during the yuletide season.
In Davao City, police authorities warned the public against spreading false information about alleged bomb threats that included this city “as one of the targets of the terrorist attack” following the bombing at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City last December 3.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) denied there are security threats against the city.
“DCPO would like to inform the public that the speculation is not true. Rest assured that maintaining peace and order in Davao City is DCPO’s top priority. Additionally, DCPO reminds the public to refrain from spreading fake news that can create panic and disturbance among the citizens of Davao City,” it said.
The police warned that posting and spreading fake news is a crime under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, punishing “unlawful use of means of publication and unlawful utterances” and imposing a penalty of imprisonment and a fine of P40,000 to P200,000. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)
