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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Bulacan bishop orders structural integrity check of all parishes in the province

Bulacan bishop orders structural integrity check of all parishes in the province

Published Feb 15, 2024 03:52 am

Malolos City Bishop Dennis C. Villarojo instructed parish priests in the province of Bulacan to check the structural integrity of their churches and parishes in the aftermath of the collapse of the mezzanine of St. Peter the Apostle Church and in preparation for the influx of devotees during the Lenten season.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) said an 80-year-old woman parishioner identified as Luneta Morales, of Dela Costa III, City of San Jose Del Monte, died in the incident. 

Morales was rushed to a hospital at around 7:40 a.m. on Feb. 14, and died  before 1 p.m. due to cardiac arrest.

Reportedly, during the Ash Wednesday mass, Morales was at the mezzanine that fell along with almost 400 people inside the church.

There were more than 50 individuals injured and brought to different hospitals for treatment. 

Some were already released from the hospitals while those who sustained more serious injuries are still undergoing treatment. 

decayed mezzanine collapsed.jpg
The collapsed mezzanine of St. Peter the Apostle Church which, City engineering office and the City Building officials claimed, had been weakened by termites. (Photo courtesy of CSJDM PIO)

CDRRMO officials said that based on the investigation conducted by the City Engineering Office and the City Building officials, the mezzanine that collapsed had been weakened by termites. 

The Malolos Bishop said that those affected and their families were being assisted by the Parish Priest, Fr. Romulo Perez, and his parochial vicar, Fr. Divino Cayanan, and by the Diocese of Malolos.

Villarojo thanked the officials of the City of San Jose Del Monte and the Barangay Tungkong Mangga who also promptly responded to assist the victims of the incident. 

As of press time, city authorities are still investigating the incident and had temporarily closed down the church.

"We pray for the eternal repose of the faithful departed and we offer our sincere condolences and assurance of assistance to the family," said Villarojo. 

 

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