Woman found dead inside Cebu church; Archbishop orders temporary closure

Dubai: A woman believed to be in her early 30s was found dead inside the Parish Church of San Fernando Rey in Liloan, northern Cebu, on Friday, October 24, prompting the Archdiocese of Cebu to suspend all public worship in the church after declaring it 'desecrated.'

The Archdiocese of Cebu expressed "deep sorrow and grave concern" over the violent incident committed within a house of worship. Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy immediately ordered the church’s temporary closure, saying it would remain off-limits to public Masses and services until a penitential rite is held to restore its sanctity.

'I, as the Archbishop of Cebu, decree the temporary closure of the Parish Church of San Fernando Rey, Liloan. All public acts of divine worship are to be suspended until proper canonical procedures are completed to ensure the reparation of the desecration and the restoration of the church's dignity as a house of prayer and peace, said the Archbishop.

According to Canon 1211 of the Code of Canon Law, the Archdiocese stated that the assault constituted a grave violation of the church's sacred character, noting that the desecration must be repaired through proper canonical procedures.

Preliminary findings from CCTV footage confirmed that the victim was attacked inside the building. Witnesses also told investigators the woman had been seen earlier with a man, whom church staff later told to leave the premises while they cleaned up after the 6am mass.

Police said the woman was discovered unconscious and reported at about 9.30am, with visible injuries including a head wound, blood from her nose, and dark marks around her neck, indicating possible strangulation.

Authorities identified the suspect as an unidentified man last seen wearing a black shirt. The victim, who remains unidentified as of press time, was wearing denim shorts and a black t-shirt.

Police investigators are now reviewing CCTV footage and have appealed for public help in identifying the victim and her attacker.

Anyone with information or missing relatives matching the woman’s description is urged to contact the Liloan Municipal Police Station at 0998-598-6385.

The Archdiocese, meanwhile, has called on the faithful to join in prayer for the victim and her family, condemning the act of violence and reaffirming its commitment to uphold the sanctity of all places of worship.