SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – The Catholic bishop of Iba, Bishop Bartolome Santos Jr., has ordered the temporary closure of a Spanish-era chapel in Freeport after it was vandalized and robbed on 18 January.

According to Santos, this grave act of desecration has caused shock and sorrow among the faithful. The bishop issued a decree on 19 January, citing that the Sacred Host in the Monstrance was left in pieces on the floor.

The bishop said the acts “gravely offended the sanctity of the sacred place” and made it impossible to continue public worship without proper reparation, adding that the monstrance and sacred images were destroyed.

Church officials said the person responsible was suffering from mental instability, possibly linked to abuse of prohibited substances, according to the decree.

According to a report by the SBMA Law Enforcement Department (LED), the suspect is identified as Joko, a 27-year-old resident of Barangay Bangal in the town of Dinalupihan, Bataan.

The suspect stole valuable items, this week's monetary collection and vandalized the altar of the chapel. Considering the person’s condition, Santos said, “No canonical penalty is imposed,” instead commending the individual “to the mercy of God.”

Invoking church law, Santos formally declared the chapel desecrated and ordered the immediate suspension of all Masses and sacramental celebrations.

The chapel will reopen only after repairs and a penitential rite of reparation, which Santos said responds to the “grave offense” against the Eucharist.

He urged Catholics to pray, fast, and do charitable works, saying the incident should deepen love for the Eucharist and respect for sacred places.

The mother of suspect has asked the faithful for their forgiveness on what her son has done to the San Roque Chapel. She added that the suspect was not in his right mind since he is under the influence of illegal drugs and is currently depressed.

She added that she wanted her son to undergo rehabilitation, but due to financial constraints, was unable to. The mother has already asked help to the local governments in hopes that her son will change for the better.

The chapel, originally built in the 1800s for Spanish sailors and local converts, is a historic landmark within the Subic Bay area. It was used as a stable for horses by the Japanese during World War II and later became the Naval Station Chapel - Subic Bay after the war.

The chapel features a peaceful and serene atmosphere, is air-conditioned, and has an altar retablo upgraded to a neo-gothic rayonnant style in 2023.

It is dedicated to Saint Roque (San Roque), known as the patron saint of those who suffer from contagious diseases. The annual fiesta celebration on his feast day, August 16, is a local tradition.