DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio called out religious organization Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) for continuing to hold religious services and activities, despite the city's guidelines on the conduct of mass gatherings.
Duterte-Carpio said in a radio interview on 87.5 FM Disaster Radio Monday afternoon, March 16, that she received reports from three individuals about INC still continuing its Sunday services on March 15.
The mayor earlier issued an order suspending and discouraging mass gatherings, including religious services and faith-based activities, following the declaration of a public health emergency in the entire country.
According to an issued executive order declaring Davao City under community quarantine on Sunday afternoon, all religious activities are suspended.
"Tong una, mga tao pa lang ato ginasultian og ayaw mo og adto. Karon, because of the developing situation, giingnan nato mga religious organization nga hunungon na ninyo inyong religious ceremony (Before, we only discourage the churchgoers from attending. Now, because of the developing situation, we already directed our order to the religious organization to stop their religious ceremonies)," Duterte-Carpio said in a radio interview.
The mayor emphasized that mass gatherings are potential cause of mass infection.
"Dapat masabtan sa tao nga dili magtapok kay ang kagaw naa sa hangin. Ang hangin dili nimo ma-filter kung wala kay mask (People should understand that the virus accumulates in the air. People in these crowded areas are vulnerable because of some not being able to wear a mask)," she said.
In case INC would disregard her warning, she said she would explore legal actions against them.
"Gusto lang nako i-remind atong mga kaigsuunan sa Iglesia ni Cristo na inyong pag-ampo sa sulod sa inyong simbahan, dili makaluwas sa sakit. (I would like to remind our INC brothers and sisters that worshipping inside your church will not spare you from acquiring the disease)," Duterte-Carpio said.
"So, kung dili man nato mapabuhat sa atong INC nga ihunong nila... (If they (INC) will not stop their activities...) we are still exploring what we can do this in the legal side," Duterte-Carpio added.
She also called out the attention of INC leaders who would compel their members to attend services despite the existing city order.
"What kind of a church will expel a member because a member wants to protect himself or herself, and his (or her) family. It's very sad sa ila because grabe ilang faith. Pag muingon nga 'magsimba ta', magsimba gyud sila. (It's very sad because of their devotion to their faith. If they are ordered to go to church, they would go)," the mayor said.
On Saturday, March 14, the Archdiocese of Davao headed by Archbishop Romulo Valles, already ordered the suspension of all masses and other activities, in compliance with the city's directive.
Valles said all masses will be aired on their radio station, dxGN 89.9 Spirit FM, and a Facebook live stream would also be posted on the latter’s social media handle.
Other Christian denomination groups had also canceled their worship and faith-based services.
Duterte-Carpio also called other religious groups to suspend and make use of social media and other mediums for them to "bridge" to their members.
Meanwhile, several INC members said on social media that they will continue to worship at their church.
Facebook user Jerome Bulosan said nothing will stop them from attending their services.
Bulosan said INC worship services were not even disrupted even when the Japanese invaded the Philippines.
"We did not say we won't be invulnerable to virus but we just want you all to know that our faith is strong," he said.
"We are strictly implementing social distancing in every worship service. We are willing to do everything just to attend our worship service. Please understand," he added.
Another Facebook user Jayson Torrero said INC is compliant with the guidelines of the government on mass gatherings.
"Tumutugon ang INC sa mga standards na binigay ng gobyerno. Makikita niyo yan sa oras ng aming pagtitipon. Sumusunod ang mga miyembro sa tamang pag quarantine bago sila bumalik sa loob ng kanilang tahanan dahil may mahigpit na tagubilin samin dito (INC is complying with the guidelines set by the government. It is evident in our gathering. Members are following the appropriate measures before they even go back to their homes)," Torrero said.
He added, "Ginagawa namin ang parte namin, gawin niyo ang parte niyo. Sa INC bawal ang duwag. Sa Diyos muna kami susunod bago sa tao. (We are doing our part. You might as well do your share. In INC, cowards are condemned. We will only abide first to the Lord above, then to mankind)."
INC-Davao Chapter, as of press time, has not released an official statement regarding the mayor's comment.