ILIGAN CITY — A 51-year-old woman was arrested by police after she was allegedly caught using illegal drugs inside the Blessed Sacrament Building of the historic St. Michael’s Cathedral on Wednesday morning, May 6, sparking outrage over what churchgoers described as a grave desecration of a holy and sacred place for Catholics.
The suspect, identified only by the alias “Marife,” a businesswoman and resident of Roxas Avenue, Barangay Mahayahay, was apprehended by responding operatives from Police Station 5 at around 8:50 a.m. in Barangay Poblacion, Iligan City.
According to police reports, authorities received an urgent call from church personnel and concerned civilians after the woman was allegedly seen sniffing suspected shabu inside the Blessed Sacrament Building — an area regarded by Catholics as one of the most sacred parts of the church complex where the Blessed Sacrament, believed to be the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, is honored and venerated.
The incident shocked parishioners and church workers, who condemned the alleged illegal activity carried out within the vicinity of a religious sanctuary dedicated to prayer, worship, reflection, and solemn devotion.
Police immediately responded to the scene and arrested the suspect at the MASCO Delta area inside the cathedral compound. Recovered from her possession and immediate vicinity were an improvised glass tooter believed to have been used for drug inhalation, a small empty plastic sachet suspected to have contained shabu, and a disposable lighter.
Authorities said the suspect allegedly admitted to the offense during the initial investigation.
The arrest has drawn strong reactions from members of the Catholic community, emphasizing that the Blessed Sacrament Building is not an ordinary structure but a deeply revered and sacred space for the faithful. Many described the incident as not only a violation of the law but also an act that disrespected the sanctity of the Church.
Police said the suspect is currently under the custody of Police Station 5 while authorities prepare the filing of appropriate charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Church personnel, meanwhile, called on the public to respect places of worship and help preserve the dignity and holiness of religious institutions amid growing concerns over illegal drug activities even in sacred spaces.