The Philippine National Police (PNP) said they arrested three people who cracked bomb and gun jokes during the mass celebrated by Pope Francis in Manila.
Manila Police District (MPD) radio control officer Alberto de Guzman said a man and two women were arrested at a police check point on Sunday while heading to the mass in Rizal Park, which was reportedly attended my over six million Catholic members.
De Guzman said as the arrested people went through the checkpoint a witness heard the man saying “Hey, I’ve got a bomb. Why didn’t you detect it?” while his companions joked about the carrying guns.
De Guzman added that if people heard those kinds of jokes, a stampede might come after, which can cause devastation.
“They were making fun of the police officers. If people had heard them, it could have caused a stampede,” De Guzman said to AFP.
The three are now being held and will be charge with “pranksters” who make false reports about bombs, which is punishable for up to five years in jail or a fine of up to P40,000 ($894) or both.
Pope Francis just visited the Philippines as part of his papal tour in Asia. He stayed here for five days and visited places like Tacloban and different parts of Manila. He returned to Vatican on Mondays.