Man destroys religious images during Mass in Negros Occidental
BACOLOD CITY – A 39-year-old man drove a tricycle and destroyed religious images during a Mass at the San Isidro Labrador Parish Church in Barangay Santo Rosario, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental on Wednesday morning, April 3.
IMAGES of saints were destroyed by an allegedly mentally-ill man during a Mass at the San Isidro Labrador Parish Church in Barangay Santo Rosario, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental on Wednesday, April 3. (Photos from San Isidro Labrador Binalbagan Facebook)
Police Major Randy Babor, Binalbagan police chief, said the man, who was allegedly mentally-ill, also destroyed the Tabernacle of the Catholic church.
A priest celebrating Mass and some churchgoers were shocked but the Mass resumed when policemen deployed in the area subdued the suspect.
The suspect’s name was withheld pending the filing of a case.
Babor said that the broken religious statues were valued at almost P300,000 as some of them are century-old. No injuries were reported, he added.
Babor said the suspect is inconsistent with his statements when asked why he destroyed them. He had no record at the police station of any offense.
He said they have yet to talk to the suspect’s family to confirm his medical condition.
The suspect may be charged for malicious mischief or alarm and scandal or interruption of religious worship, according to Babor.
Babor said they will deploy additional personnel in the church following this incident.
Netizens were saddened upon seeing photos of the broken religious statues circulating online.
The church said that images of Saint Joseph, San Isidro Labrador, the Immaculate Conception, a crucifix, and two angels were destroyed.
The church in its Facebook page said that it will remain closed as they fix the broken images.
“We will inform you of the future developments while we try to fix externally - the physical damages in the sanctuary and internally - the injury and pain felt by all catholics in Binalbagan caused by this untoward incident,” the Church said in a statement.
Mayor Alejandro Mirasol, in a statement, expressed reat sadness regarding the sacrilegious act that occurred in their parish church.
“I condemn the perpetrator's actions and will ensure that such incidents are avoided in the future,” Mirasol said as he assured priests and personnel and churchgoers of their safety and sanctity.
The mayor assured that the local government will fully support the renovations necessary to restore the church to its sacred state.
While our sacred statues may have been broken, our faith remains unshaken, Mirasol said.