‘Men in white’ draw attention in Baguio
BAGUIO CITY — The Diocese of Baguio declared on Thursday that men roaming the city and parts of Benguet province in white robes or cassocks while seeking donations for the church are not in any way connected with the Roman Catholic Church.
The diocese said its offices have been flooded by queries about these “men in white” who call themselves members of “Filipino Katoliko,” which is “not affiliated with any Diocese or Religious Congregation or Institute of the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines.”
These men in white reportedly show potential donors a letter claiming that the Filipino Katolikos are raising funds for the construction of their new church building in Bigaan, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur since their old building has been affected by a road widening project.
“In this connection, we are knocking at your kind and benevolent heart to share with us your blessings through VOLUNTARY DONATION,” read part of the same solicitation letter.
In its Facebook (FB) pages, Filipino Katoliko and Filipino Katoliko Missionaries, the group posted photographs where some members with white folders paid courtesy calls to Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong, Baguio City Police Chief Col. Francis Bulwayan and Mayor Romeo Salda of La Trinidad, Benguet.
In a post on its FB page, the Filipino Katoliko said they have no intention of creating confusion or disrespect to the existing denominations and the whole of the Roman Catholic Church or other Christian and Catholic churches.
In another letter, a certain Bishop Pedro P. Fenis, Jr. stated that they are soliciting heartily-given donations, of any kind for their congregation and missionary works. — Artemio A. Dumlao