A priest in northern Cebu has appealed to the public not to take debris from the collapsed and damaged heritage churches to use as souvenirs or “anting-anting” (amulets).
In a statement, Fr. Edmar Marcellones of the Parroquia de San Pedro Apóstol in Bantayan Island said that taking any part of the debris constitutes theft and is considered a crime under the law.
He stressed that every stone and material from the churches is part of a sacred site and should be preserved.
Fr. Marcellones urged the public to leave the restoration process to the experts and to support efforts to protect the heritage of the Church.
It can be recalled that the Bantayan Church was among those heavily damaged by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu on September 30.
The quake caused extensive damage to infrastructure, prompting authorities to prohibit the use of the church for safety reasons.
For now, Masses will continue to be held on the church grounds until the building is deemed safe for gatherings.
In closing, Fr. Marcellones asked for understanding and prayers as the restoration of the church continues.
(PHOTO COURTESY: Parroquia de San Pedro Apostol Bantayan)
