A Misamis Occidental vlogger tearfully denied allegations that she spat into a holy water container at the Parish Church of St. John the Baptist in Jimenez, after a viral video sparked outrage and led to the church’s closure.
Christine Medalla, in an interview with Brigada Oroquieta, said she has been unable to sleep and has lost her peace of mind over fears for her safety. “I might be killed… I did not spit,” she said, asking for forgiveness while crying.
In a separate video posted on her Facebook page, where she has 117,000 followers, Medalla again apologized to Catholics but insisted she did not spit into the container. The original viral clip, which circulated widely online, was blurry but appeared to show her bending over the holy water font.
The Archdiocese of Ozamis, through a statement signed by Archbishop Martin Jumoad, ordered the immediate closure of the parish in line with the Code of Canon Law.
Part of the statement reminded the faithful that “sacred objects and places are vessels of God’s grace and deserve our utmost respect and reverence.”
Medalla, who said she has been a vlogger and online seller for a year, has faced intense public scrutiny since the video emerged.
The incident has drawn strong reactions from churchgoers and community members, with authorities and church officials continuing to assess the situation.
