Diocese apologizes after live pigeon tied to balloons on Easter

MANILA, Philippines — The Diocese of Kalookan has issued a formal apology following public outcry over a "salubong" ritual on Easter Sunday, where a live pigeon was tied to a cluster of balloons and released into the air.

In a statement on Wednesday, April 8, the diocese expressed its "sincere apology" for the incident, which occurred at the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of the Immaculate Conception in Malabon on April 5.

While the parish has used live pigeons for decades as a safer alternative to having a child dressed as an angel, the diocese admitted that the manner of the release this year was unacceptable.

“The parish has long practiced the use of a live pigeon, rather than a child dressed as an angel for several decades, even since after the Second World War, as a safer and less distressing alternative. It had been presumed that the dove would be released immediately after the unveiling,” the diocese said. 

“However, it has since been brought to our attention that the pigeon was instead tied to a cluster of balloons, with its wings restrained, and released into the air. This act is regrettable,” it added.

The diocese clarified that its prelate, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, only witnessed the "unveiling from below the pagoda" and was unaware of the pigeon’s specific treatment afterward.

“The Bishop has expressed his objection to this practice, noting that it is not only harmful to the animal but also to the environment, particularly to marine life that may ingest deflated balloons. In response, the parish has committed to discontinue this practice,” the diocese’s statement read.

“There will be no more balloon-flying in future celebrations, and the dove will be released immediately after the unveiling,” it added.