Father Robert Reyes, known as the “running priest” for his penchant to run for a cause, expressed alarm on Sunday over the alleged surveillance of his activities by authorities.
The priest claimed that uniformed personnel from Quezon City’s Department of Public Order and Safety took photos and video during morning Mass in his parish without his consent.
The priest described the actions of the men, which were caught on closed-circuit television, as “suspicious,” adding that it was the first time that it had happened in the parish.
“Their behavior was very suspicious … If they were on official business, they should have the courtesy first to ask permission,” the priest said in a media interview.
“I think what they did was not standard operating procedure. It is an infringement, a violation of the sanctity of the Eucharist,” said Father Reyes.
The priest told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that the guidelines for religious gatherings during the quarantine period were followed, with the number of churchgoers kept to a minimum.
City officials admitted that they sent out men to monitor the conduct of religious services.
Elmo San Diego, head of the public safety office of Quezon City, said what was done was “routine inspection” to ensure physical distancing during religious services.
Authorities allowed churches in the Philippine capital to resume religious services on Saturday, July 11, as long as quarantine protocols are followed including the wearing of masks and physical distancing.
