The Philippine National Police (PNP) is deploying over 70,000 police personnel nationwide to secure churches and churchgoers ahead of the traditional nine-day Misa de Gallo or Simbang Gabi (Dawn Masses) which begins Tuesday morning, officials announced Sunday.

Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said that all units have been placed on heightened alert under the “Ligtas Paskuhan 2025” strategy.

Security measures will include intensified foot patrols, checkpoints, and mobile units around churches and nearby convergence areas frequented by worshippers after Mass.

The PNP is also strengthening coordination with local government units, barangay officials, and church authorities for crowd management and emergency preparedness.

“We are ready, and we are committed to contributing to a meaningful Christmas for everybody through improved peace and order measures,” Nartatez said in a statement, adding that police will be visibly deployed and patrolling church vicinities and surrounding streets.

Police will specifically monitor for theft, pickpocketing, traffic congestion and potential fire hazards.

In Central Luzon, the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) activated its own security plan, deploying nearly 6,000 police personnel in key areas, including places of worship, transport hubs, commercial centers and tourist destinations.

These regional efforts are supported by more than 500 force multipliers and will include the establishment of Motorist Assistance Hubs along major roads.

Nartatez reminded churchgoers to remain vigilant, secure personal belongings, follow traffic rules, and immediately report any suspicious activities to authorities.

Meanwhile, the PNP reported a major success in its anti-illegal drug campaign. A joint operation conducted Saturday in Barangay Napindan, Taguig City, resulted in the arrest of five high-value targets and the seizure of drugs valued at over P176 million.

The operation, carried out by the PNP Drug Enforcement Group’s Special Operations Unit NCR, with support from the Southern Police District Intelligence Division and PDEA NCR, led to the apprehension of John Walter Bernaldo Carlos, Danny San Jose Ordoñez, Joniel Coricor Almeda, Alvin Zabala Escovidal and Elmer Rabanes.

Investigators said the group played key roles in an organized drug distribution network, and their arrest disrupted ongoing illegal drug activity in Metro Manila and nearby areas.

Authorities seized more than 25.5 kilograms of suspected shabu, approximately 1.77 kilograms of high-grade marijuana kush, and 140 marijuana oil cartridges, along with assorted smuggled cigarettes.