St. Michael’s wings, shield, spear, sword stolen from church

MANILA, Philippines — The silver wings, shield, spear and sword of the image of Saint Michael the Archangel, patron saint of San Miguel town in Bulacan, were stolen on Black Saturday, prompting church leaders to appeal for the return of the items, and local government officials to raise P600,000 for leads on the thief.

In a statement, Diocesan Shrine and Parish of San Miguel Arcangel rector Fr. Avelino Sampana and vicar Fr. Philip Faustino Volante informed parishioners that the sacred objects, all made of silver, were stolen.

The breach was discovered at 9 a.m. on Saturday, they said.

Both priests appealed for respect for the sacredness of the items and asked for their return, saying the thieves could just leave these by the doors of the church and need not reveal their identities.

“We only want the safe return of the sacred items,” Sampana and Volante said in Filipino. “These are symbols of our devotion and part of the history of the faith of the people of San Miguel that cannot be matched by any amount.”

Bulacan 3rd District Rep. Mark Cholo Violago offered P400,000 as reward money for anyone who could  provide information leading to the identity and arrest of the people who took the items from the church.

San Miguel Mayor John Alvarez announced he would give P200,000 for information that would lead to the return of the sacred items.

The San Miguel Police Station told The STAR that investigations are ongoing.