The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Debold Sinas reminded the public always to respect the solemnity of the Holy Mass and find an appropriate place to air sentiments against the government.
Sinas’ appeal came after some police officers seized placards of protesters who attended a Mass in Quiapo Church, Manila, on Monday, the day of President Rodrigo Duterte’s fifth State of the Nation Address.
“In its highest form, [the] NCRPO respects human rights and freedom of speech. However, we would like to emphasize that we must observe the solemn celebration of the Mass and find appropriate place to air grievances,” he said in a press statement.
“At the same time, we respect the sacred place where not only the party lists are welcome, but everyone who wishes to hear the gospel. Thus, we will not tolerate such deplorable acts for the benefit of all, especially of the ordinary people,” he added.
Manila Police District chief Rolando Miranda told ABS-CBN’s TeleRadyo that the church’s staff reported to the police that some who attended the Holy Mass were holding placards protesting the anti-terror law.
Sinas said the protesters distracted the churchgoers.
Authorities also have photos of protesters’ displaying the placards while the Mass is ongoing.
Miranda also explained why they did not wait for the Mass to finish before seizing the materials. “Kapag ganun ang mangyayari, magkakaroon ng commotion [if that’s the case, there would be a commotion],” he said.
The official insisted authorities did not make a scene when they confiscated the protest materials during the Holy Mass.
No one was arrested during the confiscation.
Also read: PDEA supports Duterte’s renewed call for death penalty
Meanwhile, Akbayan party-list denied that any of their members were displaying the placards during the Mass. They also said they would file charges against the police.
Spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said the protest activities during SONA 202 was generally peaceful despite arresting 34 protesters.
“The situation was generally peaceful and orderly with no untoward incident reported,” Banac said.
PNP deployed around 6,000 police officers to ensure the smooth and secured run of Duterte’s SONA.
PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa ordered police units to issue fines on those who be could be caught violating local government ordinances on quarantine to avoid jail time.