The Manila Police District district on Friday assured a safe and secured observance of the 10-day  midnight Masses which started early dawn of 16 December.

P/Bgen. Thomas Arnold Ibay assured Manilans in a phone interview that they have established a security net for those attending  the novena Masses until 24 December, Christmas Eve.

Ibay said just like the past annual tradition, each 17 police station were tasked to provide security in Catholic churches that would fall under their areas of responsibility.

"Every station commander has their location of churches and police visibility were the main instruction to deter gang wars, rumbles which are most often committed by warring groups in the community, Ibay told the DAILY TRIBUNE.

He further said that aside from midnight Mass, commercial areas like Divisoria, Quiapo, Recto and Blumentritt, other public markets were also part of the security plan including illegal vendors  as per instruction of Mayor Honey Lacuna.

Also during this Christmas season, banks and jewelry stores are also strictly guarded in anticipation of robbery crimes that might break out during this month.

As usual, no vacation leave is allowed during Christmas and New Year to ensure order all over the city.

Manila holds the record of numerous old churches and thousands of Catholics devotees along with their families gather to celebrate the birth of the Savior.