MANILA, Philippines—At least four churchgoers in a Manila parish said they were victimized by pickpockets during packed Catholic services for Palm Sunday, which marked the start of Holy Week.
In separate complaints filed at the Manila Police District’s Moriones Station 2, the victims claimed losing their wallets and other valuables all worth around P20,000 after shouldering their way through the palm frond-waving crowds at Sto. Niño de Tondo Parish along L. Chacon Street in Tondo.
SPO2 Cody Carmelo said the first complainant had his wallet stolen at 9 a.m. while the fourth, an employee of the Manila sheriff’s Office, lost his phone and pocket money at 10:30 a.m.
Carmelo said the four complainants were unable to enter the crowded church for the Mass and opted to stay outside the parish near Holy Child Catholic School at Plaza Hernandez.