Bishop closes historic Subic chapel after ‘grave desecration,’ robbery

Subic Bay Freeport — The Catholic bishop of Iba has ordered the temporary closure of a Spanish-era chapel here after a weekend break-in left sacred items destroyed and the Eucharist desecrated.

Bishop Bartolome Santos Jr. issued a decree Monday suspending all Masses and sacraments at San Roque Chapel following the 18 January incident. According to the decree, the Sacred Host was found in pieces on the floor and the altar was vandalized.

“These acts gravely offended the sanctity of the sacred place,” Santos said, noting that the chapel’s monstrance and several sacred images were destroyed.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority law enforcement identified the suspect as “Joko,” a 27-year-old resident of Dinalupihan, Bataan. Police said the suspect stole the week’s monetary collection and other valuables.