The Provincial Information Office (PIO) of Misamis Oriental has issued an apology over a congratulatory post for newly elected Pope Leo XIV that featured the image and name of Governor Peter Unabia.

PIO posted a photo card on its official Facebook page greeting Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost.

The 69-year-old Augustinian priest is the 267th pope, the first ever pontiff from the United States, and the second pope from the Americas after his immediate predecessor Pope Francis. He has chosen the name Leo XIV.

However, the PIO post drew flak from netizens, prompting the office to upload a revised version of the card that already included the pontiff’s image – but still featured Unabia, albeit a much smaller image of the governor.

The post was eventually deleted.

“We sincerely extend our apologies to the public for the oversight in our recent post regarding the greeting for His Holiness, the newly elected Pope,” PIO said in a statement.

PIO said the inclusion of the governor’s image in the greeting was a “misjudgment in layout and presentation.”

“We understand the concerns raised and acknowledge that the focus should have remained solely on the message of congratulations and respect for the new pope,” PIO added.

PIO assured that it will exercise sensitivity and professionalism in creative and editorial decisions to maintain clarity and appropriateness in future social media posts.

The office added that internal protocols are being reviewed to prevent similar issues and ensure that all official statements and announcements are communicated with utmost consideration and care.

“We appreciate the feedback from the community and value your continued trust,” PIO said.

(With reports from GMA News Online)