Devotees asked to refrain from self-flagellation, look for other ways to do penance

People have come to expect "penitensya" or penance to be done during Holy Week, not just by tourists, but more importantly by the people who have made a vow to make the annual sacrifice — either to ask for blessing or to express gratitude for a heard prayer. 

The act has long been banned, but many still choose self-flagellate to show their devotion. 

"N'ong 1600 pa, 1400, sinabi na ng Banal na Papa na 'huwag na, huwag mo ng saktan ang sarili mo," President and CEO of the Catholic Media Network Fr. Francis Lucas said in an interview with GMA News' Unang Balita Friday. 

"Pero, paano mo pipigilan 'yong may panata — nabuhay 'yong anak nila, mayroon silang hihiniling sila Diyos ... mahirap 'yon pigilan.

"Ang sinasabi ko lang ngayon, hindi kailangan [ng gano'ng klase ng sakripisyo] dahil napakaraming nating sakripisyo sa buhay na puwede nating i-alay sa Diyos," Lucas said.

GMA News' News To Go on Friday additionally reported that the Department of Health (DOH) has also advised devotees to consider other means of showing their devotion.

The DOH warned the public against possible infections caused by self-flagellation, even if there is an attempt to sterilize the objects used for the ritual. 

Health centers will be providing anti-tetanus shots, which can be administered prior to the "penitensya", but stressed that it would be safer to choose a different way to make a sacrifice. — Aya Tantiangco, GMA News