Gamboa: Seizure of protest materials in Quiapo Church by cops ‘not a misbehavior’

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police chief Gen. Archie Gamboa believes police officers did not misbehave when they confiscated protest materials from churchgoers during Mass in Quiapo Church.

Gamboa said the police officers only responded to the complaint of church authorities about a group that was displaying placards during Mass.

“It should not be placed in the context that the PNP misbehaved because we just behaved in accordance with the request of the church,” he said in an interview over ABS-CBN News Channel.

“I don’t consider that as misbehavior. We [PNP] don’t do that not unless requested by the church authorities themselves,” Gamboa added.

In a video that went viral on Monday, police officers from the Manila Police District were seen forcibly taking a box of protest materials and placards from churchgoers during Mass.

This move was condemned by no less than Senator Risa Hontiveros who was present during the Mass. She said she talked with the police officers, explaining that there was no protest rally during and after the Mass.

However, Gamboa said the PNP has pictures that the churchgoers were displaying the placards during Mass.

“People should be able to separate politics and religion. ‘Pag nasa simbahan, dapat utmost solemnity,” he said.

/MUF