First day of Simbang Gabi 2024 peaceful, no threats seen: PNP

The first day of Simbang Gabi was generally peaceful, with no untoward incident reported to authorities, the Philippine National Police said Monday. PNP spokesperson Jean Fajardo said the early morning Masses were well attended, while police elements were deployed hours in advance in anticipation of the crowds. "Ilang oras pa lang bago ang Simbang gabi, naka-deploy na ang mga pulis. Meron ding inilagay na police assistance desk, maliban pa sa mobile at police patrol sa paligid ng simbahan," she said in a TeleRadyo Serbisyo interview. The Simbang Gabi is a 9-day series of Masses attended by Filipino Catholics ahead of Christmas. The Masses usually start at early as 3 a.m. Fajardo said the PNP is not monitoring any threat during the holiday season but noted the national police force will not be complacent. "Patuloy ang koordinasyon sa ibang ahensya ng gobyerno para siguraduhin na naka-ready tayo at name-maintain ang pro-active stance to make sure secured and safe ang holiday season," she said.