MONSIGNOR Rey Monsanto of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro said Pokemon Go fanatics in Cagayan de Oro City must do not play inside churches.
Monsignor Monsato said people should not forget the purpose of going to church which is to pray and connect with God.
"Dunay mga tawo gapanganhi sa lawak sa among church, ga-Pokemon Go kay naa kuno diha ibutang ang Pokemon atubangan sa simbahan. Dunay gapangabot diha nga mga tawo, gabisikleta, ga-sakyanan, I heard sa simbahan gyud na makita ug ibutang daw ng mga pokemon," he said.
The good thing about the game, he said, is people are encouraged to visit the church but the downside is getting addicted to it.
"While they're visiting unta, makahuana-huna unta sila nga maka-ampo. Gihangyo nato sila nga nga take control of the game lang especially during mass services, it's disrespectful you play the game while a mass is being conducted," Monsanto said.
For Monsignor Perseus Cabunoc, Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro vicar general, said he noticed that players are usually seen walking around Gaston Park and even lining up at the entrance of the St. Augustine Cathedral.
"Dili na sila makabantay nga duna silay katagbo o kaistorya, mao nalang to focus nila. Ang advancement of technology is good, however, naa gyud siyay disadvantages or ill-effects sa paggamit niini," he said.
Cabunoc called the game a "smartphone zombie" since people are getting addicted to it.
According to the website gamingph.com, Cagayan de Oro has 140 Pokestops where a gamer can collect items, such as eggs and more Pokeballs in order capture more Pokemon and Pokegyms where players hold their battles.
The St. Augustine Cathedral is one of the 28 Pokegyms in the city while Pokestops are usually found in churches such as Our Lady of Lourdes, Santa Cruz Chapel, Our Lady of Fatima Chapel, United Church of Christ in the Philippines, Jesus Nazareno Nazareth Parish, Seventh-Day Adventist, and San Nicolas de Tolentino Church, among others.
Other key areas in Cagayan de Oro City considered as Pokestops include City Hall, Gaston Park stage, City Museum, Capitol Ground Water Fountain, and even the Agora Bus Terminal.