Beware of fake priests
MANILA, Philippines—If a priest blessing your departed ones’ tombs asks for a fee, it’s time to doubt if he is for real.
The Philippine National Police warned the public to be on the lookout for bogus priests who might be on the prowl in cemeteries this All Saints’ Day weekend.
Supt. Lucio Rosaroso Jr. of the PNP Chaplain Service said the faithful should have tombs, graves and remains blessed only by priests they personally know.
“We urge them to beware of con artists pretending to be men of the cloth to make money during these times,’’ he said on Thursday.
Rosaroso—also known as “Father Onie”—said the public should be suspicious once the bogus man of the cloth begins asking for money for his services.
He pointed out that real priests do not ask for money, although donations are accepted.
