Cops responded to church’s complaint on protesters carrying placards — NCRPO

MANILA, Philippines — The National Capital Region Police Office  (NCRPO) defended the confiscation of protest materials at Quiapo Church in Manila on Monday, saying the police were merely responding to church security officials’ complaint about a group allegedly displaying placards inside the church.

“Based on the report of Manila Police District (MPD), I would like to clarify that responding police officers received a report from church security officers that members of Akbayan Party List pulled out a placard and publicly displayed it which reads ‘IPAGLABAN ANG KALAYAAN! RESIST TERROR LAW!’ during the mass,” NCRPO chief Major Gen. Debold Sinas said in a statement on Wednesday.

Sinas also noted that the display of placards distracted other attendees of the mass.

“The scene caused distraction to other churchgoers inside the Quiapo Church, affecting the solemnity of the mass. Henceforth, police officers  responded to the report and confiscated the said placards. Photos are attached to see what had happened on that day,” the NCRPO chief said.

Sinas added that while the Metro Manila Police respects the protesters’ freedom of speech, it noted that church-goers must still observe the solemn celebration of Mass.

“In its highest form, 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 places to air grievances,” he said.

On Monday, July 27, a viral video posted on Twitter showed law enforcers seizing a box of protest materials and placards from members of Akbayan Partylist while the Mass is ongoing.

EDV