BACOLOD City – Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson of Negros Occidental reminded festivalgoers in the province to be respectful when attending religious-based cultural festivities.
Lacson issued the call on Tuesday after some revelers flashed obscene messages and performed “lewd acts” in the just-concluded Dinagsa Festival of Cadiz City, Negros Occidental – photos of which were posted on social media.
“Let this be a warning to other visitors to respect the community where you are celebrating fiestas,” said Lacson, who was the guest of honor during the northern Negros city’s festival highlights on Jan. 25.
He added visitors must show respect to the festival’s patron saint.
Meanwhile, Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. said Cadiz City observes tolerance and diversity, but this should not go beyond the bounds of good taste, decency and accepted norms of public conduct.
“We would like to remind the public that display of obscene messages on placards, lewd acts, and the likes are certainly unacceptable and have corresponding punitive measures,” Escalante added.
On Monday, the two individuals involved in the “scandalous acts” met with Escalante in the presence of city police chief Lieutenant Colonel Robert Mansueto.
They submitted their letter of public apology to the mayor and paid a fine for violation of a city ordinance.
“I call on the City Council to revisit our ordinance covering such indecent acts and further study what can be done to safeguard the interest of Dinagsa Festival as both a cultural and religious event,” Escalante said.(With a report from PNA/PN)
