By Ferdinand Patinio/PNA
MANILA — The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, popularly known as Quiapo Church, has tightened its security in the wake of the twin blasts that hit a church in Jolo, Sulu.
“At present, we have more K-9 units, they are patrolling around the Church premises. We also added more security personnel. They have been ordered not only to double but also to triple check the area,” Quiapo Church parochial vicar Rev. Fr. Douglas Badong said in an interview over Radio Veritas Thursday.
The prelate added that their personnel are thoroughly checking the basilica’s premises and its vicinity.
“Every now and then we check the benches and also those who are sleeping outside the Church, we are also checking them,” he said.
Badong also appealed to the faithful and devotees of the Black Nazarene to exercise vigilance.
“When we go to the Basilica, we should not only look after ourselves but also to other people inside the Church. We should report suspicious looking persons and we should also help in maintaining peace and safety of each other,” he added.
The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene is being visited by thousands of devotees, especially every Friday.
Earlier, Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles has asked the faithful not to bring bags including backpack and knapsacks as part of the security measure in churches.
Meanwhile, the Archdiocese of Manila asked the priests, chaplains and religious, to include in their prayers the victims and the families of the twin bombings that rocked the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral.
“As an expression of our solidarity to the victims of the Jolo Cathedral bombing last Sunday, January 27, to those who are injured and those who died, their families, and the community of Jolo, may we ask that this intention be included in the prayer of the faithful of our Masses, especially on Sunday, February 3, 2019,” Rev. Fr. Reginald Malicdem, chancellor of the archdiocese, said in a circular letter.
Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle has earlier assured them of prayers and assistance with their needs.
“We in the Archdiocese of Manila unite ourselves with the civilians and military personnel who died. You are in our prayer. Be assured that you will be given divine justice. We are one with the families of the dead and the wounded and the community of Jolo. You have a family in us. We are ready to assist you in your needs,” Tagle said in a statement.
