Church supports no bag policy for security

The Archdiocese of Davao supported the order of Mayor Sara Duterte and the security forces of the city for the No Backpack Policy in the city.

Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles issued a circular to all parish priests dated January 29 to announce the No Backpack Policy in all Masses.

“Due to the current peace and order situation, vis-a-vis threat of violence, please be informed that starting today, for all churchgoers, it is not allowed to bring with you bags, backpacks, knapsacks, boxes, cartons, and the like into churches,” the circular said.

Fr. Ritsche Gamaya, DCD, the director for Archdiocesan Commission on Social Communications and Mass Media explained that the announcement of the Archbishop is based on the mandate of the local police.

“This is the mandate of the Bishop to ensure the security of our churchgoers amid the threat of violence,” Gamaya said in a phone interview.

Gamaya also noted that to further ensure the security of churchgoers, large parishes in the city have CCTVs installed.

“Some churches, especially those with a large number of churchgoers. To name a few, San Pablo Parish in Juna Subdivision, Matina; Ascension of the Lord Parish in GSIS Heights Subdivision; and, San Pedro Cathedral, in San Pedro Street,” said Gamaya.

Gamaya also addressed the issue of convenience among some churchgoers who may be against the policy.

In a Facebook comment, some expressed that the policy may be a hassle to look for a place to leave their bags especially that there are others who attend Masses immediately after their work.

“I believe, this will even provide more convenience to our churchgoers because I believe you do not need a large backpack when going to church,” Gamaya explained. (Julianne A. Suarez)