Case Name: People vs. Reyes, et al.

C.A.-G.R. No. 13633-R, July 27, 1955

FACTS:
- The Iglesia ni Cristo obtained a permit from the mayor to hold a meeting at a public plaza.
- During the meeting, which began with singing, the sect's minister (Sanidad) delivered a
sermon after reading from the Bible.
- In the course of the sermon, Sanidad criticized the Catholic and Aglipayan churches, and made
derogatory remarks about women from San Esteban, Ilocos Sur.
- The Chief of Police intervened by ordering Sanidad to stop. Upon refusal, the Chief fired two
shots in the air, dispersing the crowd and halting the meeting.

ISSUE:
Whether the Chief of Police is liable under Article 132 (Interruption of religious worship) of the
Revised Penal Code.

HELD:
The act of the Chief of Police is not a violation of Article 132 but of Article 131 (Prohibition,
interruption, and dissolution of peaceful meetings).
The Chief of Police's intervention, while intended to maintain public order, was found to be in
violation of Article 131 rather than Article 132. This decision underscores the necessity of
distinguishing between different forms of gatherings and the appropriate legal framework for
addressing interruptions based on their nature.

Connection to the Case:

In the case of People vs. Reyes, et al., the Chief of Police's actions, although aimed at stopping
the perceived disruption caused by Sanidad's sermon, were deemed an unjustified interruption
of a peaceful meeting. This decision reflects the application of Article 131's principle in
safeguarding the right to assemble and express opinions within the bounds of the law.