DOH discourages 'penitensya', kissing images in Holy Week rites

The Department of Health on Friday discouraged the public from engaging in “penitensya” and kissing images in next week's observance of the Holy Week.

At a press conference, DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire warned that “penitensya” or acts of penance such as self-flagellation, flogging, crucifixion, among others may result in infection of wounds.

“Kung maari lang po sana na maiiwasan natin ang mga aktibidad kagaya po ng pagpepenitensya sa paraan ng pagpapako sa krus at iba pa upang maiwasan natin ang tetanus at nang pagkakaroon ng sugat at impeksyon,” she said.

(As much as possible, refrain from activities such as "pagpepenitensya" through crucifixion and others to avoid tetanus and having wounds and infection.)

Vergeire added that kissing images in churches may cause transmission of coronavirus.

“Iwasan po natin ang paghalik sa santo at santa at iba pang imahen o poon sa ating mga simbahan dahil maari pong itong maging paraan ng virus transmission,” she said.

(Let’s avoid kissing all kinds of images in our churches because it may result in virus transmission.)

During the observance of the Holy Week, Vergeire reminded the public to wear face masks and get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police will deploy around 54,000 personnel nationwide to secure the observance of the Holy Week, its spokesperson, Police Colonel Jean Fajardo, said.

“Nakapuwesto na po yung ating mga kapulisan lalung-lalo na po dyan sa mga area na inaasahan natin na dadagsain ng ating mga kababayan lalo po itong papalapit na Semana Santa,” she said.

(Police personnel are already in place especially in areas where we expect surge of people as the Holy Week nears.) —LBG, GMA News