IFI says police slow to act on vandalism case

CAGAYAN DE ORO. IFI Bishop Felixberto Calang reads a statement denouncing the continued vilification of the church and its clergy in a press conference Tuesday, January 29, at the IFI cathedral. (Photo by PJ Orias)
CAGAYAN DE ORO. IFI Bishop Felixberto Calang reads a statement denouncing the continued vilification of the church and its clergy in a press conference Tuesday, January 29, at the IFI cathedral. (Photo by PJ Orias)

THE Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) expressed its dismay over the slow pace of investigation on the vandalism incident last January 25, red-tagging the church.

Rev. Fr. Horace Yangyang of the IFI-Bulua said they have visited Bulua Police several times already, only to be told there were still no developments on the case.

Yangyang said the police told them that they will not stop until they capture the perpetrators, however later on, they were instead asked suspicious questions.

"Giingnan naman hinuon ang nangadto nga unsa daw kuno among gibuhat nga daotan nganong naay nag-vandal? Murag kami naman hinuon ang giimbestigahan," Yangyang said.

IFI Bishop Felixberto Calang, meanwhile, said they are still not losing hope that the police will solve the case.

"Unta na ang gitahasan sa gobyerno to make the lives of the people safe, mobuhat sa ilang tahas because we too, the IFI, and all other churches in the city rightfully deserve their protection as we are taxpayers of this country, they do not need to be reminded of this fact," Calang said.

"Dili nila hulaton nga makaingon ang taga-simbahan nga naay collusion between the suspects and our authorities kay tungod sa snail paced investigation. Kini nga incident angayan lamang imbestigahan because vandalism is a crime punishable by law, and we the church is the target," he added.

Calang said the attacks against the church is not new and in fact, has been happening all over the country.

He said these attacks meant to intimidate and silence the church, stop its works to help the poor, and advocate for social justice.

Calang said the vandals who desecrated the church are the real terrorists as they have sown fear and terror among the faithful.

"The IFI will remain strong in continuing our ministry in solidarity with those who struggle for justice and truth. The IFI is to act justly and to love with mercy and to walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8)," he added.

Trending

No stories found.

Just in

No stories found.

Branded Content

No stories found.
SunStar Publishing Inc.
www.sunstar.com.ph