Malabon Church Faces Backlash Over Dove Incident

A recent Easter tradition in Malabon has sparked strong reactions online, especially from animal welfare groups, after a dove was used in a controversial way during the Salubong ceremony.

The issue centered on the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of the Immaculate Conception, where a dove was reportedly tied to a rod and attached to balloons as part of the ritual. The setup was meant to symbolize the unveiling of the Virgin Mary’s image, a key moment in the Easter Sunday tradition.

Animal groups, including the Philippine Animal Welfare Society, quickly spoke out after a video of the event circulated online. According to their statement, the bird appeared distressed during the ceremony, with its wings restrained. They also claimed that the dove did not survive, raising concerns about both animal welfare and the environmental impact of releasing balloons.

Another group, the Animal Kingdom Foundation, echoed similar concerns. They pointed out that while traditions like Salubong carry deep meaning, the methods used should still consider the well-being of animals.

The Salubong itself is a long-standing Filipino Easter practice that symbolizes the meeting of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. In many cases, a child dressed as an angel performs the unveiling. Some parishes, however, have used doves instead, believing it to be a safer option than suspending a child above the crowd.

Following the backlash, Pablo Virgilio David, who leads the Diocese of Kalookan, addressed the issue. He explained that he was not aware of how the dove was handled during the ceremony, as he only witnessed part of the event. He also shared that he assumed the bird would be released immediately afterward.

After learning about the situation, the cardinal expressed his disapproval. He pointed out that the practice was harmful not just to the animal, but also to the environment, especially with balloons that could end up in bodies of water.

The Diocese has since issued an apology and confirmed that changes will be made moving forward. The parish has committed to stopping the use of balloons during the ritual and ensuring that any dove used will be released right away.

The incident has started conversations online about how traditions can evolve. Many are now calling for practices that respect both cultural beliefs and the welfare of animals.