A Catholic priest in northern Cebu has appealed to the public not to take any debris from their quake-damaged heritage church as souvenirs or “anting-anting” (charms).
In a statement Monday, Fr. Edmar Marcellones of the Parroquia de San Pedro Apóstol in Bantayan island said taking any portion of the debris is “an act of theft, a crime under the law.”
“Every fragment of stone and material is part of our sacred heritage and must be preserved. Let us leave the process to the experts and support them in safeguarding our church’s legacy,” Marcellones said.
The centuries-old Bantayan Church was among the places of worship damaged by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu and nearby provinces on Sept. 30.
The tremor caused significant damage to the church’s pediment and top cross, prompting authorities to restrict entry due to safety concerns.
Marcellones said the church recently underwent a rapid assessment by heritage and conservation experts, marking the start of a “long, technical, and scientific process” of investigation, preparation, and restoration of earthquake-damaged structures.
To ensure transparency, he said the parish will open a dedicated bank account for the Earthquake Repair Project. Donations are now accepted to support the repair and restoration efforts.
For now, Masses will continue to be held at the church grounds as the structure remains unsafe for public gatherings.
The priest asked for the parishioners’ patience and prayers as experts carry out the restoration work.
“May God’s providence strengthen and protect them as they work to rebuild this sacred symbol of our faith and history,” Marcellones said.
