10 METERS AWAY

Churchgoers with big bags may not be able to hear the gospel as they won’t be allowed near the church’s fence.

Davao City Police Office (DCPO) said churchgoers bringing bags beyond the permissible size will not be allowed within ten meters from the fence of the church due to security reasons.

Unlike last Sunday where churchgoers who were not allowed to enter due to the size of their bags were still able to hear mass outside, DCPO director Police Senior Superintendent Alexander Tagum said this time they will no longer allow this set up.

“I've instructed my commanders that they (churchgoers who are carrying bags) cannot be within 10 meters from the fence of the place of worship - so as to minimize possible effect of IED explosion in case of terror bombing,” Tagum told SunStar Davao.

He added, “As much as we don't want that to happen, for practical reason as to deliver our message to the terrorist-that we will not give them a window of opportunity to execute their terror plan in Davao City. I hope our people will understand- that we are doing this for their safety and security.”

The No Backpack Policy drew flak and confusion from the public where some of them expressed their disappointment online because they were not informed ahead.

Tagum, meanwhile, reiterated that purses or wallets are the only things allowed to be brought inside the churches, thus, churchgoers are urged to follow this policy to avoid inconvenience during security inspection.

“Very clear ang clarification ng Office of the City Mayor at ng PSSCC (Public Safety and Security Command Center) - only purses or wallets are allowed in the vicinity of our places of worship in the city,” Tagum said, adding that in this way, terrorists will not have the chance to sneak in explosives.

This policy was implemented after the twin bombing in Jolo, Sulu inside and at the parking lot of a Catholic church that killed 23 people and over 100 injured. It prompted Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio to order the “No Backpack Policy” in places of worship to avoid similar incident.