Police remind faithful vs thieves on ‘Misa de Gallo’

By Paulo DS. Papa

NAGA CITY---While parishes under the Archdiocese of Caceres prepare for the start of “Misa de Gallo” on Dec. 16, the Camarines Sur Police Provincial Office (CSPPO) has reminded the faithful about theft and other crimes against properties, which may occur while they are out of their houses attending the mass.

Col. Roderico Roy, Jr., CSPPO chief, in an interview said police personnel all over the province will be on full alert during the entire duration of “Misa de Gallo.” Despite of that, he urged church goers, especially those who live in subdivisions, to secure their houses against theft, “salisi” and other criminal activities.

Roy said cops will conduct visibility patrol within their areas of responsibility and police personnel will be deployed in churches to ensure peace and order and enforce existing public health protocols.

He reminded the faithful to observe social distancing and wear facemasks during the mass.

The traditional “Misa de Gallo” annually starts at 4:00 AM for nine consecutive days starting Dec. 16 until Dec. 24 in celebration of the Advent Season. The early morning mass prior to the Covid-19 pandemic was normally attended by multitude of faithful.

This year the Archdiocese of Caceres has issued Circular No. 0027, series of 2020, implementing “instructions on the celebration of Aguinaldo Masses, “Misa de Gallo” or “Simbang Gabi” that modified the rules on the conduct of mass schedules in order to enforce the health protocols.