Residents and devotees were left shocked and outraged after unidentified suspects allegedly burned religious statues inside the San Roque Chapel in Barangay Nalin 1, Midsayap.
According to reports from local residents, the suspects allegedly broke into the chapel during the night and took all the religious statues from inside the church before dragging them outside and setting them on fire.
The disturbing incident was discovered the following morning, when residents and devotees found the burned remains of the sacred images outside the San Roque Chapel, triggering anger, sadness, and concern within the community.
Pedro Gubat Consina, a local vlogger and resident of Barangay Nalin 1, said the community was deeply alarmed upon seeing the destroyed religious figures.
He said the suspects allegedly entered the chapel, removed the statues one by one, and burned them outside the church premises.
Several residents speculated that the perpetrators could possibly be members of a cult group or individuals involved in illegal drug activities, although authorities have yet to confirm any motive behind the attack.
The incident has caused strong emotional reactions among devotees, many of whom considered the statues sacred symbols of faith and devotion.
Authorities from Barangay Nalin 1, together with the local police, have already launched an investigation and monitoring operations to identify the individuals responsible for the burning of the religious images.
Barangay officials revealed that there are already persons of interest being monitored in connection with the incident, as investigators continue gathering evidence and testimonies from residents.
As of this writing, police authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the possible motive behind the attack on the chapel.