By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
A reported tarpaulin displaying the schedule for Lenten masses at the Queen of Peace Church sparked a conflict between the church and the St. John’s Institute (SJI) Board of Trustees (BOT), resulting in the gates to the school compound being closed.
“We had to close the gates to the school compound after an unfortunate incident between our administrative and security staff and those who are running the church,” said BOT-SJI President Cesar Villanueva.
He clarified, however, the main gate was closed, but the pedestrian gate remained open for churchgoers.
According to Villanueva, school administrators have requested Queen of Peace Parish Rector, Fr. Ernie Larida, to hold off from putting up the tarpaulin until they received confirmation from Bishop Patricio Buzon that he was authorized to do so.
Last Saturday, Larida proceeded with the display, wherein Villanueva said he went to confront the rector, who, he claims, raised his voice and pushed him.
The BOT-SJI president added this is not the first confrontation between Larida and school officials.
When reached for comment, Larida said he had no intention of harming Villanueva.
The rector said, while he and Villanueva were speaking in raised voices, he extended his hands as an act of self-defense./WDJ