ZAMBOANGA CITY - Police were investigating Wednesday the shocking desecration of a crucifix at a chapel in the predominantly Muslim province of Basilan in southern Philippines, the second attack in two months.
The desecration was discovered Wednesday morning at the Chapel of Isidro Labrador in Santa Clara in Lamitan City, according to the provincial government. It said the altar's table cloth was also torn in pieces. Last month, a statue of the infant Jesus Christ at the Santa Isabel de Portugal Cathedral in Isabela City was also desecrated.
Basilan Governor Jim Salliman Hataman quickly condemned the latest desecration as he reiterated his order to the police to conduct an investigation into the desecration. He pointed out that desecration of sacred images should be stopped and never be tolerated as Christians, Muslims and other faiths continue to live peacefully and harmoniously as brothers and sisters in the province.
No individual or group claimed responsibility for both desecrations, but the extremist group Abu Sayyaf is actively operating in the island-province, about 30 nautical miles south of Zamboanga.
In the August 27 desecration of the statue of Christ, the Roman Catholic community and the provincial government strongly condemned the destruction of the sacred statue. Bishop Leo Dalmao, head of the Roman Catholic Prelature of Isabela City, said the statue is dedicated to unborn and unwanted babies. (Mindanao Examiner)
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