Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte warned Iglesia ni Cristo after she got informed that the religious sect is not following the executive order that she signed as a measure to fight COVID-19.
Duterte signed the executive order no. 10, which includes the suspension of all religious activities in Davao City.
The irritated Mayor on a statement reminded that the members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo are could also be infected by the virus even if they continue to go inside their church to worship.
“We already told you through an executive order that all religious ceremonies should be suspended. I want to remind members of Iglesia Ni Cristo that praying inside the church will not save you from the virus. It will not prevent you from getting infected and from getting sick,” ani Duterte.
The presidential daughter warned that if INC ignores her request, she’s going to do any legal move to force them to obey the executive order.
“If we cannot appeal to INC to suspend their activities, then we are exploring what we can do on the legal side,”
Duterte then asked the members of Iglesia ni Cristo to avoid doing their religious activities for a while.
Iglesia Ni Cristo members are known for always attending their ceremonies every week.
“I ask our brothers and sisters from the INC in Davao to please stop attending your ceremonies,” Duterte said.
Even on social media, some INC members said that no one could stop them from attending their worship.
But some of them said that they’re following the social distancing measures.
“Walang anuman o sinoman, maka pipigil sa aming paglilingkod sa Diyos! Tuloy tuloy parin kami sa aming pagsamba sa gitna man ng pangamba na mga lumalaganap na sakit!
Kami ay mga Iglesia Ni Cristo!” Kriztoffer Kantoz said.
“INC has always been very supportive of the Government programs as long as it does not interfere with our faith, especially our freedom of worship,” Wally Cuarto stated.
“Kung may masamang mangyari sa amin tulad ng digmaan, baha, salot o taggutom, haharap kami sa TEMPLONG ITO upang humingi ng tulong sa iyo sapagkat dito ka sinasamba, tatawag kami sa iyo, papakinggan mo kami at ililigtas sa panahon ng aming kagipitan. (2 Cronica 20:9) BMBB” he added.
Iglesia ni Cristo is not yet releasing a statement on the request of the Davao City Mayor.