Cops block militant groups going to Palace to welcome Pope

Video by Noy Morcoso/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines – Police on Friday blocked militant groups trying to get near Malacañang Palace to welcome Pope Francis.

“Nakita natin yung panawagan ni Santo Papa para sa mahihirap at sa kapayapaan…Kaya tuwang-tuwa kami para dalhin sa kanya ang aming kahilingan..ang kanyang adhikaing bayan. Gusto namin ipadinig sa dadaanan nya..Kaya lang naharangan tayo. May renegosasyon at makita man lang ni Santo Papa ang simbolo ng kalagayan ng ating bansa,” said Father Ben Alforque of Giving a Voice to the Cry of the Poor.

Catholics from various militant groups converged on Nepomuceno Street near Arlegui but a police barricade prevented their plan to march to the Palace.

“We choose to be here because the teachings and messages of Pope Francis resonate with them,” Alforque said.

The groups will assemble again on Sunday at the Luneta Park where Pope Francis will hold Mass.

Renato Reyes, Secretary General of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, said they want to express their gratitude for the Pope for his concern.

“Nais [nila] iparating sa Santo Papa, alam naman nating very progressive ang pope sa social issues tulad ng katarungan, kapayapaan at human rights. Di lang namin maintindihan bakit kelangan may panghaharang ang pulis at gobyerno kung ano lang pwede marinig ng Santo Papa,” Reyes said.

A similar activity will also be held in Leyte where Pope Francis will visit on Saturday, he said.