MPD chief says displaying placards inside church is disrespectful

Screenshot of netizen Bart Guingona’s Twitter post.

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Police District (MPD) chief Brig. Gen. Rolly Miranda on Tuesday justified the seizure of protester materials inside Quiapo Church in Manila, saying it was “disrespectful” to bring placards when celebrating the Mass.

“Hindi naman nagkaroon ng commotion habang kinukumpiska nila (pulis). Mas nakakawalang galang siguro na nagmimisa na may placard kayo naladlad sa loob ng misa na ‘yung ibang nagsisimba ay maaabala rin,” Miranda said over Teleradyo when asked if police officers caused a commotion while seizing protest materials during the Mass.

(There was no commotion while the police are confiscating their materials. It is more disrespectful if you are displaying those placards while the Mass is ongoing, not to mention that it also be bothers other churchgoers.)

To recall, a social media user uploaded a viral video on Twitter showing police officers confiscating a box of protest materials and placards from some protesters while the Mass is happening on Monday, July 27. No arrests were made during the confiscation of placards at the church.

The police official also questioned protesters for bringing their materials inside the church.

“Kung ikaw ay taimtim na magdadasal, bakit kailangan mo dalhin ang placards sa simbahan? Pwede mo naman iwan sa sasakyan,” Miranda said.

(If you are going to pray, why would you bring placards inside the Church? You can just leave it there inside your vehicle.)

Police also have photos to prove that the protesters were showing their placards while the Mass is ongoing, Miranda said.

“Yes we have pictures. Nilabas nila placards nila (They displayed their placards),” Miranda said.

JPV