MANILA, Dec. 14 -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) has placed all units on heightened alert nationwide ahead of the start of Simbang Gabi on Dec. 16.

Millions of Catholic faithful are expected to attend dawn and evening Masses leading up to Christmas.

Under the Ligtas Paskuhan 2025 strategy, more than 70,000 police personnel will be deployed in churches and other busy areas to ensure the safety of worshippers.

In a statement on Sunday, PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said security measures include intensified foot patrols, checkpoints and mobile patrols, as well as close coordination with local government units, barangay officials and church authorities for crowd control and emergency response.

He also directed p...