IN LIGHT with the recent twin-bombing at a Cathedral in Jolo, Sulu on Sunday, January 27, 2019, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has instructed the Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) that churchgoers should no longer bring backpacks in places of worship for security reasons.
The Archdiocese of Davao on Tuesday issued an advisory on the no backpack policy in all Catholic churches in the city.
The Archdiocese said backpacks, knapsacks, boxes, and cartons will not be allowed inside the church. However, they will allow small purses.
The authorities like the PSSCC and the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) are currently coordinating with the churches and, hopefully, other places of worship to ensure the safety of those going there.
While we commend the efforts to ensure the safety of those going to places of worship, the authorities might want to take a closer look at the policy to ensure that it will not cause inconvenience to some.
Among those who will be gravely affected by the policy are parents with infants; the elderly who need care due to health issues; and families who have a member that has special needs. These families have a tendency to bring bigger bags because of the needs of their members.
If they bring a smaller bag they might not be able to bring all the necessary items they need. It would be distracting if we see nannies, caretakers or family members going in and out of the places of worship just to get some things they need. We can neither tell them to worship outside nor tell not to go at all at these places of worship.
How about those who just came from work or need to go to work after the service or mass? It would be a hassle for them to go to the workplace to drop their bags or go back home to get their bags.
Church security and the authorities might want to consider a special entrance for those who will be bringing bigger bags. They could also suggest the use of clear bags.
With the recent attacks, we understand that the city and authorities have to employ all security measures to ensure the safety of the Dabawenyos. However, we suggest that it should also reconsider those who will need to bring bigger bags due to health reasons or other valid reasons.