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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Cebu solon tells NCCA, National Museum to return stolen pulpit panels

Cebu solon tells NCCA, National Museum to return stolen pulpit panels

Published Mar 27, 2024 03:30 am

At A Glance

  • Cebu 2nd district Rep. Edsel Galeos has filed a resolution urging the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) and the National Museum of the Philippines to return the four pulpit panels allegedly stolen from the Archdiocesan Shrine of Patrocinio de Maria Santisima, also known as Boljoon Church.
  • The four panels depicting the four Doctors of the Church were reportedly stolen from the pulpit of Boljoon Church in January 1988.

boljoon church pulpit panels nat'l museum.jpgThe four panels that were allegedly stolen from the pulpit of Boljoon Church (National Museum of the Philippines’ Facebook)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cebu 2nd district Rep. Edsel Galeos has filed a resolution urging the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) and the National Museum of the Philippines to return the four pulpit panels allegedly stolen from the Archdiocesan Shrine of Patrocinio de Maria Santisima, also known as Boljoon Church.

In House Resolution (HR) No. 1601, Galeos said the panels, which are part of the municipality's culture and history, were “unlawfully stolen” from the church.

“Boljoanons are demanding for accountability,” the resolution read. “It must therefore be restored where it rightfully belongs”.

In January 1988, four panels depicting the four Doctors of the Church were reportedly stolen from the pulpit of Boljoon Church.

The panels only reappeared in the public eye after the National Museum announced that they were donated by the President and CEO of UnionBank Edwin Bautista, and his wife, Aileen. The two are avid collectors of historical memorabilia. 

“The National Museum of the Philippines stated that it is open to ‘sharing’ the four panels with the people of Cebu. However, these artifacts have a religious context and meaning in the Catholic Church,” HR No. 1601 read.

“The panels serve as tools for evangelization, and are not simply artistic ornaments for public appreciation,” it continued.

Galeos noted in the measure that Most Rev. Jose Palma, the Archbishop of Cebu, has asked for the return of the religious panels given that there is no record of any request to deconsecrate the panels for removal.

“As such, its removal was a violation under the Canon law and constitutes sacrilege,” it read.

The lawmaker pointed out that Boljoon Church is one of the oldest churches in the province, having been built in 1783.

According to Galeos, the church was turned into a National Historical Landmark in 1999 and a National Cultural Treasure in 2001. It is now being considered for inclusion in the World Heritage List.

The Cebu Provincial Board and the Boljoon Municipal Council have recently passed resolutions urging the National Museum to return the pulpit panels.

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Edsel Galeos Boljoon Church Cebu province
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