Basilan Bishop Leo Dalmao (center). (File photo)
MANILA – A Catholic bishop condemned the desecration of two chapels in Basilan unknown assailants on Ash Wednesday.
“The Prelature of Isabela de Basilan condemns such disgraceful actions done in the holy season of the Catholic faithful,” said Bishop Leo Dalmao of Isabela prelature in a statement on Saturday. “We will not allow ourselves to be dictated by the agenda of these people and we do not want to dignify their actions by giving them and their actions undue attention and publicity,” he added.
Dalmao also urged people to be cautious and not let such incidents affect them.
“I remind everyone to be vigilant and refuse any opportunity for these bad elements to succeed in sowing division and hatred among us,” Dalmao said. “To pray intensely that our efforts for a peaceful and progressive province will be sustained in spite of the February 16 and 17 incidents, and that we may fix our gaze on what brings us together as a province (Christians, Muslims, and Indigenous Peoples) rather than on what divides us."
He also asked those who are pushing for peace to reign in the area to continue what they are doing.
“It is easier to take refuge to our past biases and prejudices rather than read the present with a new perspective. It is my hope that we will not allow ourselves to give in to the temptation of the former, and to share audacious hope and renewed strength with all the people of goodwill in the Province of Basilan who are determined to push forward our peace efforts,” Dalmao said.
On February 17, the faithful of the chapels of San Isidro Labrador in Sta. Clara Parish and Immaculate Conception in Purok Lower Baroy, St. Peter Parish in Lamitan City found their places of worship desecrated.
The statues in these chapels were damaged and destroyed by unidentified assailants.
A day before Wednesday, an attempted theft of religious icons in another chapel in the city was foiled by some residents.
“Lastly, I remind everyone to be vigilant and to refuse any opportunity for these bad elements to succeed in sowing division and hatred among us. Take care of our places of worship and watch over them. Take care of one another as one community of God,” Dalmao said. (PNA)
