15 cops to bear crosses on Good Friday

Quezon City policemen facing reprimand for minor offenses have been offered a chance to redeem themselves on Good Friday.

To wipe their slate clean, all they have to do is take up the cross, literally, and follow their leader.

Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Senior Superintendent Richard Albano on Sunday offered this option to policemen who had been found to be remiss in attending the weekly flag-raising ceremony at Camp Karingal as well as those facing administrative charges for less grave offenses.

“Only those who are subjects of reprimand for tardiness or absence in our formations may join the activity as a form of penitence for their minor offense,” he explained, adding that he was offering the alternative for policemen who did not wish to be penalized.

Albano, who said he would be leading the cross bearers, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that the activity was not compulsory for all Quezon City policemen although he would also welcome those who wanted to do penance on Good Friday.

As of Sunday, 15 policemen, including Albano, have expressed their willingness to take up their crosses, whether at Camp Karingal or at the Quezon Memorial Circle where a stations of the cross would be set up. On top of this, they would also join the traditional “pabasa.”

Asked why he was joining the activity, Albano said it was part of his penance for Holy Week.

He explained that he came up with the idea for the activity based on the doctrine that if the Lord was able to forgive, then how much more man?

“If they [policemen] feel they deserve forgiveness, they should make the sacrifice,” Albano added.

Earlier, the QCPD said it was prepared for the expected increase in the number of people leaving for the provinces for the Holy Week break.