Religious garments and accessories taken from San Guillermo Parish Church in Bacolor were recovered by the town police on Thursday.
Authorities clarified that the items were not relics and no intent to sell or malicious motive were established.
The six-hour investigation, was led by Senior Master Sergeant Aldin Dolendo, who identified the suspect as a 12-year-old girl and a church server.
The girl allegedly took the items on three separate dates, December 12 and 31, 2025, and January 4, 2026.
Church authorities discovered the garments are missing on Wednesday morning, January 7, after the report circulated on social media.
Upon learning of the incident, Mayor Eduardo “Diman” Datu said he immediately directed the Bacolor police to conduct an investigation.
Using CCTV footage, police investigators traced the movements of the suspect.
A total of 16 religious garments and accessories, including vestments, crowns, and related items used for the images of Sta. Marta and Señor Jesus Nazareno, were recovered.
Major Jessie James Domingo, chief of police of Bacolor, said no criminal charges will be filed against the girl.
He added that the suspect is a minor and that the act lacked criminal intent.
The child is now under the custody of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) for proper assessment and intervention.
According to MSWDO, the girl believed that wearing religious items such as rosaries made her feel protected.
San Guillermo Parish priest Rev. Fr. Joseph Theodore Valencia thanked the police and local government officials for the recovery of the church properties.
He said the parish will help in ensuring the child’s spiritual well-being. | via Ian Ocampo Flora and Tristan Jingco