Davao City Catholic churches ban bags, backpacks after Jolo cathedral blasts

MANILA, Philippines — Churchgoers are no longer allowed to bring in bags, backpacks, knapsacks, boxes, cartons and similar items inside Catholic churches in Davao City.

This was announced by Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles in an advisory on Tuesday.

“Brothers and sisters, due to the current peace and order situation vis-a-vis threat of violence, please be informed that starting today, for all churchgoers, it is not allowed to bring with you bags, backpacks, knapsacks, boxes, cartons and the like into the church,” the advisory read.

Churchgoers are instead advised to bring small purses, according to the advisory.

The advisory was issued followed the twin blasts that rocked the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Jolo, Sulu on Jan. 27.

At least 21 people were killed and scores other hurt in the blasts.  /muf