The dawn of Tuesday, December 16, 2025, marked a peaceful and orderly start to the traditional Misa de Gallo in Cebu City, with police authorities reporting zero crime incidents across the metropolis.
Massive Police Presence Ensures Safety
According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Jose Losbaños, the information officer of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), the successful maintenance of peace and order was largely due to a strong and visible security deployment. As early as 3 a.m., nearly 600 police officers, supported by force multipliers and personnel from other government agencies, were strategically positioned along major roads and outside churches.
"One of the contributory factors to the peaceful conduct of the Misa de Gallo was the deployment of sufficient police personnel in every church to ensure an orderly and calm celebration," Losbaños stated in Cebuano. He emphasized that the current deployment numbers were adequate and required no immediate adjustments, though they remain open to changes if any lapses are observed in the coming days.
Churches Under Watch and Resources Utilized
The police operation utilized all available assets, including patrol vehicles, motorcycles, and even drones, to monitor the situation and deter any criminal activity. Authorities had pre-identified key churches expecting large congregations of Catholic faithful. These priority locations included:
- Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral
- Basilica Minore del Santo Niño
- Santo Rosario Parish
- Capitol Parish
Each of these churches was equipped with a police assistance desk to promptly address any concerns from churchgoers attending the early morning masses.
Heightened Alert for the Holiday Season
The peaceful commencement of the nine-day dawn masses sets a positive tone for the Christmas season. The security efforts, however, are not letting up. Police forces across the entire Central Visayas region will remain on heightened alert until the conclusion of the New Year's celebrations. This extended security posture aims to ensure that the spirit of peace and order observed on the first day of Simbang Gabi continues throughout the holiday period.
The report highlights a successful collaboration between law enforcement and the community, allowing thousands of devotees, including those at the iconic Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, to observe their spiritual tradition in a safe and secure environment.
