BACOLOD CITY — A woman has gone viral online after making a controversial comment about a tragic accident that occurred during a Good Friday procession in Barangay Alangilan, Bacolod City, on April 18. The incident, which resulted in the deaths of three individuals, happened while a religious procession was being held in observance of Holy Week.
Anarose Remegio, the woman in question, received backlash after posting a comment questioning the faith of those involved in the procession. She asked where God was during the tragedy, claiming that only Jesus Christ is the true Savior. Remegio further described the procession as meaningless and referred to it as mere “showmanship,” suggesting that the tragedy occurred because the participants were not under God’s protection.
Her remarks sparked outrage among netizens, particularly from the Catholic community, who viewed her statements as highly disrespectful. Many pointed out that the Good Friday procession is a deeply sacred tradition commemorating the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. For many Filipino Catholics, it is a time of mourning and reflection, not a moment to criticize others’ beliefs.
Reports indicate that Remegio is a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, a Christian denomination with beliefs that differ from Catholicism. While religious differences are acknowledged, many online users emphasized that her tone and timing were inappropriate, especially during a national period of mourning. They called for respect and understanding, reminding everyone that religious freedom should come with mutual respect.
Some also pointed out that Catholicism is still the predominant religion in the Philippines and holds deep cultural and spiritual roots for many Filipinos. They emphasized that while people may come from different faiths or interpret religious teachings differently, the core message of Christianity remains centered on love, respect, and compassion.
Remegio has yet to issue a public apology, but the backlash continues to spread across social media platforms. Many hope that this incident serves as a reminder for individuals to be more mindful and respectful when commenting on sensitive matters, especially those involving faith and tragedy.
As of now, the Catholic community in Bacolod continues to mourn the loss of the three victims while calling for unity and understanding across different faiths during the Holy Week observance.