Tight security is put in place by Tagbilaran police as Roman Catholics start the Christmas season with the “simbang gabi” or dawn mass.
According to chief of police Lt. Col. Regie Real, at least two personnel will be on guard in major churches in the city.
Moreover, there will be roving police officers to secure houses that will be left unattended as owners are in church attending the services.
Real said the police force is implementing the security measures to ensure that the peace and order status within the city is not compromised.
Catholics in the Philippines generally mark the celebration of the Christmas season with the nine-day dawn mass to culminate on Christmas day which is on Dec. 25, 2022.