What was supposed to be joyous occasions last September 28 during the arrival of then Archbishop-designate Alberto Uy in Cebu and later on during his installation as archbishop on September 30 were marred by alleged violence by a group of parish volunteers against members of the media.
According to the Cebu Federation of Beat Journalists, members of the Kabalikat 940 Metro Cebu Chapter harassed and forcefully removed members of the media who were covering the events. They also allegedly struck them with instruments and took pictures of their Press ID cards.
“What should have been a solemn and historic occasion for Cebu was tainted by the shameful treatment of media workers, including those affiliated with the Church. Instead of being recognized as professionals documenting a milestone for the Catholic faithful, they were treated as security threats. This incident occurred despite an existing agreement with Church officials that designated coverage protocols and media areas were already in place,” the federation said in a statement published on social media.
We have yet to hear the side of the parish volunteers in this story. But from what we are seeing for now, they either became too zealous in their assigned duty or some of them developed a grudge against members of the media.
It could have been chalked up as a one-time event if this only happened during Uy’s arrival on September 28. But since it reportedly happened again two days later during his installment as Cebu archbishop, we can’t help but think there was some grudge involved.
Granted that the group wasn’t familiar with the coverage protocols or didn’t know the reporters regularly covering the Church beat, there was still no reason for them to behave like they were duly deputized to attack and harass others.
But then again, like we said, it would seem the group hasn’t issued any statement yet regarding the said incidents. Not that we can compel them to, but perhaps it would help if they explained to clear up the issue.