QC cops bear crosses as penance for demerits

Members of the Quezon City police carry wooden crosses as they take part in a Station of the Cross headed by Chief Superintendent Richard Albano in observance of the Lenten Season at the Quezon City Memorial Circle. MARIANNE BERMUDEZ/ PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER

MANILA, Philippines—Quezon City policemen bore on Wednesday morning 30-kilogram crosses as part of their penitence and sacrifice, commemorating the passion of Christ through the Way of the Cross along Elliptical Road.

Some 50 policemen from the 12 Quezon City Police stations, led by director Chief Superintendent Richard Albano and district chaplain Rev. Fr. Alexander Pardo, along with personnel from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, the Bureau of Fire Protection and City Hall, went through the 14 Stations of the Cross set up around the Quezon Memorial Circle.

Among the participating policemen were those facing administrative cases for less grave offenses and those slapped with demerits due to tardiness or absence from formations.

“This is a way of giving them penance so that they would be spiritually enlightened and hopefully mend their ways,” Albano said

The participants, including Albano, bore the crosses throughout the procession from the first station, where Jesus is condemned to death, until the last station where Jesus is laid in the tomb.

The QCPD director explained that his participation in the activity was part of his annual sacrifice for the Lenten season and its application to his erring men was based on the belief that those who express remorse deserve forgiveness.

According to Albano, the activity was part of the QCPD’s activities for the Holy Week, including a Mass and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on Maundy Thursday at the QCPD chapel at 3 p.m. followed by hourly vigils by local police stations and units; a Way of the Cross around Camp Karingal at 9 a.m. on Good Friday followed by a Veneration of the Cross; and celebration of Masses on Black Saturday and Easter Sunday when a traditional egg hunt will be held.

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