Rider who rode motorcycle inside church says he wanted to be blessed

The rider who was arrested after he rode his motorcycle towards an altar inside the Taal Basilica in Batangas said he wanted to be blessed.

According to Bam Alegre's report on "24 Oras," the rider indicated that he did nothing wrong.

“Parang gusto lang po mabasbasan… ‘Yun po ang gusto ko. Depende na lang po sa kanila kung masama tingin nila sa 'kin. Kasi gusto ko mabago ang buhay ko," the rider said behind bars.

(I wanted to be blessed… That’s what I wanted. It's up to them if they would not look at me kindly. I just want to change my life.)

A viral video showed the rider riding inside the Taal Basilica and parking his motorcycle in front of the altar.

The video also showed his female companion walking away from the scene. The rider proceeded to the altar and sat on the priest’s chair.

He even clapped and placed a foot on the chair.

Police said they were unable to talk properly with the suspect, who was turned over to the authorities by concerned citizens.

According to Taal chief of police Police Capt. Ronald Magno, the rider's parents said he had no vice.

However, the chief of police said the rider admitted using marijuana which he said he bought online.

He was also reportedly asking for cigarettes from fellow detainees.

The suspect will face charges for violating Article 133 on offending religious feelings under the Revised Penal Code. –Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/NB, GMA Integrated News