PASIG CITY, (PIA) -- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Tuesday appealed to the Catholic Church to forego the procession in line with the upcoming celebration of the Black Nazarene Feast.

“I am now appealing to you to forego and cancel all physical gatherings, including the procession [Traslacion] and the celebration of Mass sa Church,” the President said during his public briefing Tuesday evening.

The President noted the very important event of the Roman Catholic Church wherein millions of devotees flock to Quaipo Church to pay homage to the Black Nazarene.

“I have to appeal to them for their understanding and to really look at it in the broader context of our liability also to the people if we do not act correctly or fail to come up with measures to protect public interest and public health.”

Pres. Duterte also apologized to Church authorities and devotees.

“I apologize in advance. I beg your full understanding. Sana maintindihan ako ng Roman Catholic Church.” (PIA-NCR/Photo courtesy of Quiapo Church FB)