Manila: The police arrested a fake priest after he could not present an identification card while blessing a tomb and asking for donation for his job, a TV report said.
He was identified as Apo Ariel Acebo. He claimed that he was with the Apostolic Church of the Philippines. He carried a big rosary and several envelopes for monetary donation at Manila's North Cemetery where an estimated 1.2 million people came to visit the tombs of their loved ones, GMA News reported.
Since he could not present an identification card, he was brought to the Manila Police District Station.
At the same time, 13 priests were also nabbed in the same cemetery, but they were not taken to the police station after they presented identification cards, stating that they were seminary students.
They were carrying holy water which they used when they blessed the dead at the Manila North Cemetery.
"We are not asking for money, but we receive donations," said one of them. "We were sent here to look for the so-called fake priests who have been victimizing cemetery goers on All Saints' Day," he said in a TV interview.
Earlier, Bishop Deogracias Iniguez, head of the public affairs office of the Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines warned everyone to shun fake priests who offer to bless tombs at cemeteries.
"Ask for the identification cards before allowing them to bless the tombs of your loved ones," said Yniguez, adding that the Catholic Church was alarmed at the number of people who have complained about their presence in many cemeteries.
Filipinos traditionally celebrate All Saints' Day by visiting cemeteries, cleaning tombs, praying and holding parties and reunions there. Catholic, Protestant, and non-Catholic Christians all celebrate All Saints Day nationwide.
Residents in Metro Manila also went to their provinces and took advantage of the long holiday which began last Friday and would end Wednesday.
