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Cops prevented some 2,000 members of progressive groups and church organizations from seeing Pope Francis’ motorcade and showing him their messages.

The People’s Committee to Welcome Pope Francis (People’s Welcome), which is composed of people’s and church organizations that sought to bring people’s issues to the attention of the Pontiff during his visit to the Philippines, said that they were blocked by about 100 cops before they were able to reach the corner of Laurel Street and Ayala Bridge.

Pope Francis passed by the said corner after an official welcome meeting with President Aquino in the Malacanang Palace during the morning.

Representatives of the People’s Committee said they were informed by Philippine National Police (PNP) officials on the ground that placards containing “negative messages” were not allowed near the Pope.

“Why, what is wrong with placards calling for social justice and peace? What is wrong about asking for the release of political prisoners or an end to corruption and greed? We are dismayed that the PNP has taken it upon itself to censor the public,” said People’s Welcome convenor Fr. Ben Alforque.

Alforque reiterated that the Pontiff specifically said that the poor will be the focus of the Papal Visit. Their issues were contained in the placards that the delegates of the People’s Committee brought in hopes of showing them to Pope Francis.

“We hope this is not going to be a precedent. The Pope will be here till Sunday. He deserves to know about the issues of poverty and injustice that government is trying to hide,” Alforque added.