MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) is mobilizing over 70,000 personnel across the country to ensure safe and orderly celebrations of Simbang Gabi, the traditional nine-day dawn Masses leading up to Christmas, starting Monday, December 16, 2025. PNP Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil announced the deployment on Sunday, emphasizing a “maximum tolerance” policy while prioritizing public safety amid the holiday rush.
The force will focus on high-traffic areas like churches, malls, terminals, and public markets, with visible patrols, K9 units, and quick-response teams on standby. “Our police will be there to assist, guide, and protect the people as they fulfill this cherished tradition,” Marbil said. Special attention goes to Metro Manila and urban centers, where crowds swell for the 4 a.m. Masses.
Additional measures include:
- Traffic management around parishes.
- Anti-crime operations targeting pickpockets and scam syndicates.
- Coordination with local governments and church leaders for crowd control.
The PNP urges the public to report suspicious activities via hotlines and cooperate with checkpoints. “Let us all work together for a peaceful and meaningful Simbang Gabi,” Marbil added.
This massive deployment—part of Oplan Kaligtasan for the holidays—reflects heightened vigilance after recent incidents, ensuring the season’s spiritual joy remains undisturbed.
Deployment Snapshot:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Personnel | Over 70,000 cops nationwide |
| Start Date | December 16, 2025 (first Simbang Gabi) |
| Focus Areas | Churches, malls, terminals, markets |
| Policy | Maximum tolerance; visible patrols |