Repenting for their sins

In observance of the Holy Week, the Western Police (WPD) headquarters in Manila conducted their version of the Passion of Christ that began on Monday with a reading of Jesus' suffering.

"It's a practice of the Filipino tradition, and the police also do it to repent for their sins as other people would," said the WPD spokesman.

Policemen and staff from stations' administrative section, district units, organisations of policemen's wives and police retirees, and staff of canteens inside the headquarters took turns in completing the readings scheduled from 10am to 12 midnight.

"To us Christians, Lent is an observation of the suffering of Christ, and many of us here are Catholics," said WPD director Pedro Bulaong.

WPD officers and 11 station commanders will take turn in carrying the cross through 13 other stations around areas near the WPD headquarters.

On Easter Sunday, there will be a mass at the WPD chapel followed by the traditional egg-hunting contest. The WPD will be on duty over the Holy Week, deployed all over Manila.