KALIBO, Aklan— A Catholic diocese in the central Philippines has publicly disavowed a group after it held gatherings inside barangay chapels meant for parishioners.
Bishop Cyril Villareal of the Diocese of Kalibo said Ang Supremo Dagohoy Clan Inc., known as ASDCI, has received no recognition or permission from the diocese to hold sessions called “The Holy Octave (Ama ng Sangkatauhan)” in its chapels.
“ASDCI has no affiliation whatsoever with the Catholic Church,” Villareal said. He added that the group has neither recognition nor permission from the diocese to hold such activities.
ASDCI describes itself online as running “organized ministries, specialized bureaus and institutional support systems” focused on humanitarian work, education, health and food security.
Villareal said the “Holy Octave” gatherings have no ecclesiastical or liturgical approval from the local Church and have caused confusion among Catholic faithful in the diocese.
“We therefore urge all the faithful to be guided accordingly and to exercise prudence and discernment so as to avoid further confusion,” Villareal said.
