A man was arrested by the police after he was caught in the act of desecrating the Minor Basilica and Parish of Saint Martin of Tours or the Taal Basilica in Taal, Batangas on Tuesday, April 8.
TAAL Basilica (Wikipedia)
The man's actions, which happened as the faithful is preparing for the Holy Week that starts on Palm Sunday, earned widespead condemnation from the faithful and netizens.
A video of the incident caught on closed-circuit television camera and posted online showed that the man, identified as Angelo, entered the church onboard a motorcycle with a female companion at about 11 a.m.
The motorcycle stopped by infront of the altar. He and his companion went down and Angelo proceeded to the altar and the woman left.
Angelo made the sign of the cross before sitting on the priest's chair, clapped, and raised his feet. He was also seen stomping his feet and left afterwards.
The video ended there. Angelo apparently was unaware that his actions were recorded.
A voice, apparently that of the person manning the CCTVs, could be heard expressing disgust over the unfolding events.
The church under the Archdiocese of Lipa was empty at that time.
Police Capt. Rommel Magno, Taal police chief, said they apprehended Angelo after the church filed a complaint against him.
The church is pressing a complaint against him to teach him a lesson and prevent others from copying his actions.
The woman, who turned out to be his girlfriend, said he has not been his usual self.
Magno said Angelo faces a complaint filed by the church through representative Christian Samonte for violating Article 133 of the Revised Penal Code (offending religious feelings). The case will be filed on Thursday, April 10.
The suspect admitted using marijuana to muster courage before doing his viral act.